The ADNOC Pro League burst back into life after the World Cup 2022 break when Leonardo Jardim’s relentless Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club continued their title push, holders Al-Ain stumbled once again and promoted Dibba Al-Fujairah tasted victory for the first time in 11 attempts.
Brazilian talent Igor Jesus’ astounding half-volley saw leaders Shabab Al-Ahli earn a 2-1, come-from-behind win at dark-horses Al-Wasl, amid a raucous atmosphere.
There was also unbridled joy for Dibba — and more misery for fallen giants Al-Nasr — when Ibrahim Saeed emphatically punished a defensive error for the only goal at a crestfallen Al-Maktoum Stadium.
Prolific Al-Ain hit man Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba’s second-half penalty, meanwhile, was required to salvage a 2-2 home draw with 12th-placed Baniyas, pushing the champions seven points off the pace in seventh.