Adnoc Pro League wrap: Al Ain hit seven, Pjanic debut delight, and Omar Abdulrahman stars

The new Adnoc Pro League season feels well and truly up and running following a matchday full of goals. Champions Al Ain hit seven, Ali Mabkhout grabbed a hat-trick, and star signing Miralem Pjanic excelled on debut for Sharjah. We pick out the highlights from Round 2.

Ali Mabkhout was the standout performer on Friday, scoring three goals in Al Jazira’s 4-2 win at Khorfakkan. It could have even been more, had the league’s all-time record goalscorer not missed a penalty. Still, it marked Mabkhout’s 15th top-flight treble — a remarkable feat. Add to his double in Round 1, the striker is off to a flier.

Al Wasl’s 2-1 away victory at new boys Al Bataeh may have been sealed by a Gilberto brace, but the night belonged to Omar Abdulrahman. The midfielder, deployed a little deeper in an incredibly attacking line-up, showcased some of his still-there talent, much to the delight of the raucous travelling fans. Turning 31 next week, the hope is the injury-ravaged playmaker can continue in this vein.

Sharjah midfielder Miralem Pjanic, left, in action. Photo: UAE Pro League

The headline act on Friday, though, was undoubtedly Pjanic. Signed two days previously, the former Roma, Juventus, and Barcelona midfielder slotted seamlessly into Sharjah’s team, playing an integral role in their 3-0 home win against Baniyas. It was Pjanic’s corner that led the opener, while he scored the second, from the penalty spot. He created multiple other chances, too. A debut that suggests even starrier times lay ahead.

There were plenty of good signs, also, for Shabab Al Ahli, who bounced back from defeat in last week’s opener with a come-from-behind, 2-1 triumph at Dibba Al Fujairah. Manager Leonardo Jardim’s second-half intervention told, with