UAE Pro League review: Al-Wasl defeat star-studded Sharjah to reach top of the table

Star-studded Sharjah stumbled and champions Al-Ain continued to flounder during a consequential matchweek six in the ADNOC Pro League.

Gilberto’s second-half strike gifted a 1-0 triumph to shock leaders Al-Wasl in a summit clash with the previously unbeaten Sharjah, defined by Caio’s avoidable 35th-minute dismissal for twin bookings.

The 2020-21 champions Al-Jazira also faltered after veteran UAE defender Yousif Jaber struck in the 97th minute to earn Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club an unforgettable 2-1 victory and send their typically taciturn head coach Leonardo Jardim flying through the air in celebration.

Al-Wasl on 14 points now lead the table by one point from Sharjah after six rounds.

Meanwhile, Al-Ain anchorman Ahmed Barman’s own goal at a packed Hazza bin Zayed Stadium handed recovering Al-Wahda bragging rights with their rollercoaster 3-2 derby success and dropped the reigning champions four points off the front.

Gambia striker Dembo Darboe’s astute turn and finish in the 86th minute salvaged a 1-1 draw for Al-Nasr at Baniyas, though boss Thorsten Fink stays embattled. Prolific summer addition Lourency doubled up when new boys Al-Bataeh returned to winning ways in a 2-1 win at struggling Al-Dhafra, Ittihad Kalba left it late to down another promoted side in Dibba Al-Fujairah 2-0 during ex-Al-Wahda supremo Gregory Dufrennes’ top-flight debut, and Ajman vs Khor Fakkan was goalless. 

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

Player of the Week: Ruben Canedo (Al-Wahda)

A coming-of-age display delivered in what is swiftly becoming UAE football’s most-contested fixture.

Portuguese left-back Ruben Canedo, 20, registered two official assists, and an unofficial third for Barman’s own