Adnoc Pro League wrap: Al Ain's penalty dismay, Al Bataeh delight on debut

The 2022/23 Adnoc Pro League kicked off on Friday, with champions Al Ain opening proceedings away to Ajman and new boys Al Bataeh seeking to announce their arrival. We pick out the highlights from Round 1.

Champions Al Ain, so impressive last season en route to a record-extending 14th UAE championship, opened their defence with a 1-1 draw at Ajman on Friday, but were left to rue Kodjo Laba’s missed penalty deep into injury-time to get the points. Last season's top scorer sent his spot-kick over the crossbar. It was the 103rd minute.

Promoted Al Bataeh, making their first appearance in the top flight, delivered against the much-fancied Ittihad Kalba, winning 2-0 at home despite fielding 11 debutants in their starting line-up. Lourency and Joao Novais both struck memorable goals on a historic day for the new boys.

Shabab Al Ahli, in red, kicked off their season with a defeat at home to Sharjah. Photo: AGL

At a raucous Zabeel Stadium, Al Wasl and Al Wahda played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, when Joao Pedro headed home Ismail Matar’s injury-time corner to salvage a point for the hosts. Fabio De Lima had earlier given Wasl a 2-1 lead, marking his first goal since last season was ended prematurely through serious injury.

Meanwhile, Baniyas began their campaign with a 1-0 victory at home to Khorfakkan, with Serbian defender Saska Ivkovic heading home in the 79th minute. The home side endured a fraught final few moments, though, when Ahmed Abunamous was sent off and VAR ruled out an apparent equaliser for Khorfakkan.

After MW1️⃣, the #ADNOCProLeague table