UAE Pro League: Late goals lift Al-Ain and Al-Wahda to dramatic wins

Late goals of significant consequence to the title race and Al-Wasl’s Bur Dubai Derby joy defined matchweek 17 in the ADNOC Pro League.

Sharjah’s 2018-19 title-winning coach and former one-club man, Abdulaziz Al-Anbari, came back to hurt them when his Khor Fakkan team found the only goal through Aylton Boa Morte’s 89th-minute diving header. This caused Sharjah to slip down to fourth, with the chasing pack all claiming victories.

These came in epic circumstances for fifth-placed Al-Wahda and third-placed reigning champions, Al-Ain. The former prevailed 2-1 against promoted Al-Bataeh thanks to Facundo Kruspzky’s 105th-minute header, while the irrepressible Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba produced a superb 97th-minute strike to earn a 3-2 victory at Ittihad Kalba for the latter.

Tuesday’s more-prosaic 2-0 triumph against second-bottom Al-Dhafra eased leaders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club into their 2022 AFC Champions League knockout clash with holders Al-Hilal. Second-half efforts from Siaka Sidibe and Ali Saleh ensured second-placed Al-Wasl won by the same scoreline versus floundering neighbours Al-Nasr.

Tunisia schemer Firas Ben Larbi crafted two magical assists when Ajman downed relegation-haunted Dibba Al-Fujairah 3-2, while Ali Mabkhout was among the scorers as Al-Jazira beat Baniyas 2-0.

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

Player of the Week — Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba (Al-Ain)

If Al-Ain manage to successfully defend their title, despite a fitful start, one man deserves immense credit.

Laba’s inspirational and impactful run of form extended this Friday on the east coast with a second-successive winner past the 90 minute mark. It could yet carry the UAE’s most-decorated club to further glory.

The