Al Jazira maintain perfect start as Khorfakkan, Shabab Al Ahli win

Al Jazira maintained their perfect start to the Pro League season with a convincing 3-0 win over Ajman at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Matchweek 3.

Igor Eduardo opened the scoring in the 45th minute, before an own goal from Ajman defender Yuri Matias doubled Al Jazira’s lead in the 68th minute. Bruno De Oliveira rounded off the victory with the third goal in the 86th minute.

Al Jazira went into the break 1-0 ahead after Igor Eduardo broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, finishing a well-worked move with a fine touch following an assist from Willyan Rocha.

Both sides had opportunities during an entertaining first half. Simon Banza headed over the bar for Al Jazira in the seventh minute, before Rocha found the net in the 26th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Ajman came within inches of taking the lead in the 42nd minute when Walid Azaro struck the post with an effort from inside the penalty area.

Al Jazira enjoyed the greater share of possession, recording 62.9% compared to Ajman’s 37.1%, while their passing accuracy stood at an impressive 89.87%.

The hosts continued to control proceedings after the break and almost doubled their advantage in the 57th minute, when Ajman goalkeeper Ali Al Hosani produced a fine save to deny Banza from inside the box.

Three minutes later, the goalkeeper was called into action again to deal with a dangerous Al Jazira corner.

Al Jazira eventually found their second goal in the 68th minute when a cross from Felicio Mendes was turned into his own net by Yuri Matias.

The hosts continued to push forward, with Vinicius Mello missing an opportunity to add a third in the 72nd minute when his effort from inside the penalty area went over the bar.

Bruno De Oliveira completed the scoring in the 86th minute, finishing a one-on-one opportunity at the end of an excellent attacking move started by Malcom and involving Vinicius Mello, sealing a 3-0 victory for Al Jazira.

The win means Al Jazira have now opened a Pro League season with three consecutive victories for only the third time, having previously achieved the feat in the 2009-10 and 2022-23 seasons.

Ajman, meanwhile, have now scored 21 own goals in Pro League history, more than any other team in the competition, with three of those own goals coming against Al Jazira.

Al Jazira have also scored each of their last 35 goals in the ADNOC Pro League from inside the penalty area.

Meanwhile, Khorfakkan secured their first victory of the ADNOC Pro League season with a 2-0 win over Al Dhafra at Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi Stadium in Matchweek 3.

Ahmed Abdalla Mohamad opened the scoring in the 51st minute before substitute Oumar Traore added the second in the 64th minute.

The result gave Khorfakkan their first three points of the campaign and lifted them to ninth place, while Al Dhafra remained without a point at the bottom of the standings.

There was a clear contrast between the two halves, with few clear-cut chances before the break and a much livelier contest after the restart.

Al Dhafra had the greater share of possession in the first half with 55.3%, compared to Khorfakkan’s 44.7%, but failed to register a shot on target. Khorfakkan produced two attempts, including one on target, as the teams went into half-time goalless.

The hosts made a strong start to the second half and broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Ahmed Abdalla Mohamad collected the ball, skilfully beat his marker and finished into the net to give Khorfakkan the lead.

Al Dhafra responded five minutes later, but Khorfakkan goalkeeper Ahmed Hamdan made an important save to deny Mohamed Al Khaloui’s header.

Khorfakkan then doubled their advantage in the 64th minute with a quick attacking move completed in just three touches, as substitute Oumar Traore finished the move to make it 2-0.