Al Wahda moved a major step closer to the ADIB Cup final after delivering a composed and clinical display to secure a commanding 3–0 victory over Al Jazira in the first leg of the semi-final.
Reza Ghandipour set the tone early, striking after just 11 minutes. The winger timed his run perfectly to latch onto a superb threaded pass from Bernardo Folha, breaking the offside line before finishing with precision into the bottom corner.
It was a moment that underlined Wahda’s intent and handed them full control of the tie.
Their advantage doubled shortly before the interval. Dušan Tadić, influential throughout, released Ghandipour down the left with a clever ball in behind.
The Iranian forward cut inside and fired a crisp left-footed effort beyond the outstretched Stojan Leković, leaving the Al Jazira goalkeeper with no chance and sending Wahda into the break with a deserved two-goal cushion.
Tadić then added his name to the scoresheet early in the second half. After Al Wahda were awarded a penalty in the 55th minute, the Serbian captain stepped up with trademark composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3–0 and cap a dominant performance from the visitors.
With a strong three-goal lead heading into the second leg, Al Wahda have placed one foot firmly in the final. Al Jazira, meanwhile, face an uphill task as they look to overturn the deficit and keep their ADIB Cup hopes alive.
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