UAE Pro League: Mabkhout shines for Jazira as Shabab Al-Ahli march toward title

Al-Jazira icon Ali Mabkhout exhibited his enduring class and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club took another stride toward a maiden top-flight title in ADNOC Pro League’s matchweek 22.

Hat-trick hero Mabkhout netted goals in the 94th and 101st minute when the Pride of Abu Dhabi edged a rollercoaster, game-of-the-season contender 4-3 against Al-Nasr.

It was a more sedate affair, meanwhile, for leaders Shabab Al-Ahli as they breezed past promoted Al-Bataeh 3-0 and sustained a five-point lead, with four fixtures left.

Champions Al-Ain returned to winning ways courtesy of a 3-0 victory at Khor Fakkan during which Brazilian left-back Erik shone. But Morocco striker Walid Azaro’s brace for Ajman effectively helped end sixth-placed Al-Wasl’s trophy dream with a 4-2 defeat.

Fourth-placed Sharjah — who visit Al-Ain next week — maintained distant hopes thanks to a 1-0 triumph versus a bottom-placed Al-Dhafra who are on the precipice of relegation, following a decade-long top-flight stint.

Third-placed Al-Wahda required a 98th-minute leveller from Tunisian center-back Alaeddine Zouhir to draw 1-1 at relegation threatened Dibba Al-Fujairah.

Second-half efforts by Igor Rossi and Filip Kiss witnessed Ittihad Kalba edge Baniyas 2-1 in a mid-table battle.

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

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

Even one of Asia’s longest and most-storied careers has seen few nights like this.

Al-Jazira versus Al-Nasr was utterly breathless, a sporting drama undulating from the deepest pits to the greatest joys.

Jazira were two goals up before the hour mark, drawing soon after it, behind by 87 minutes and — decisively — back in front past the 100-minute mark.

Mabkhout