UAE Pro League: Ali Mabkhout leads Al-Jazira to epic win over Sharjah

DUBAI: An epic victory for Al-Jazira reignited their ADNOC Pro League title hopes at the expense of underwhelming Sharjah amid winning returns for the rest of the chasing pack in matchweek 19.

Euphoria from last week’s UAE Super Cup success for star-studded Sharjah instantly dissipated during an Ali Mabkhout-inspired, 3-2 away victory from the Pride of Abu Dhabi. These represented the only dropped points at the summit.

Brazilian youngster Yuri Cesar’s second-half strike kept leaders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club in control with a 2-1 victory against Ittihad Kalba; second-placed Al-Wasl breezed past second-bottom Al-Dhafra 2-0; and impressive Argentine Facundo Kruspzky headed home a third goal in six top-flight outings as fourth-placed Al-Wahda downed fallen giants Al-Nasr 1-0.

Holders Al-Ain, meanwhile, eased to a 3-0 triumph against bottom-placed Dibba Al-Fujairah. Angola striker Fabio Abreu netted a second-half brace to ensure a 2-2 draw, with promoted Al-Bataeh and Tunisia magician Firas Ben Larbi netted twice in first-half injury time when dark horses Ajman prevailed at middling Baniyas 3-2.

Here are Arab News’ top picks and a talking point from the latest action:

Player of the week — Ali Mabkhout (Al-Jazira)

Last month, it was unknown what impact Mabkhout would have on the season’s final stretch.

Winter addition Ayman Hussein, however, was still watching on from the substitute’s bench when the club legend conducted Friday’s second-half master class to thrust 2020-21 champions Al-Jazira into the title mix.

The 32-year-old leveled in the grandstand clash at Sharjah Stadium with a nerveless 52nd-minute penalty — his ninth from the spot this term — and then his fierce shot past the hour mark gifted Morocco winger