UAE Pro League: Shabab Al-Ahli soar as league action returns following World Cup break

The ADNOC Pro League burst back into life after the World Cup 2022 break when Leonardo Jardim’s relentless Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club continued their title push, holders Al-Ain stumbled once again and promoted Dibba Al-Fujairah tasted victory for the first time in 11 attempts.

Brazilian talent Igor Jesus’ astounding half-volley saw leaders Shabab Al-Ahli earn a 2-1, come-from-behind win at dark-horses Al-Wasl, amid a raucous atmosphere. There was also unbridled joy for Dibba — and more misery for fallen giants Al-Nasr — when Ibrahim Saeed emphatically punished a defensive error for the only goal at a crestfallen Al-Maktoum Stadium.

Prolific Al-Ain hit man Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba’s second-half penalty, meanwhile, was required to salvage a 2-2 home draw with 12th-placed Baniyas, pushing the champions seven points off the pace in seventh. Former Barcelona superstar Miralem Pjanic was among the scorers when third-placed Sharjah thumped 10-men Al-Ittihad Kalba 4-0 and a roller coaster finale at second-placed Al-Wahda witnessed them draw 2-2 versus mid-table Khor Fakkan, despite the hosts trailing 1-0 up to the 89th minute and leading 2-1 by the 96th minute.

UAE record marksman Ali Mabkhout’s brace and an astonishing “Olimpico” goal direct from a corner by beguiling playmaker Khalfan Mubarak featured in 2020/21 victors Al-Jazira’s entertaining 4-2 triumph at new boys Al-Bataeh, and Tunisia schemer Firas Ben Larbi’s late penalty moved Ajman up to fifth, courtesy of a slender 1-0 win at now-bottom-placed Al-Dhafra.

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

Player of the week — Miralem Pjanic (Sharjah)

There have been tougher tests in Pjanic’s esteemed career.

Yet the accomplished way he navigated