Shabab Al Ahli were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by ten-man Kalba in matchweek six of the ADNOC Pro League on Friday evening.
Despite dominating possession and territory throughout the 90 minutes, the Dubai-based side failed to turn their attacking superiority into goals, as Kalba’s defensive resilience and goalkeeping heroics earned them a valuable point at home.
The visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball in the opening half, yet it was Kalba who came closest to an early breakthrough.
After 19 minutes, Mohamed Subil’s header was dramatically cleared off the line by Nemanja Maksimović, denying the hosts a shock lead.
Cartabia had Shabab Al Ahli’s best chances of the half — first firing over from close range after neat build-up play with Yuri Cesar, and then seeing his powerful effort from inside the box superbly saved by Sultan Al Manthari in first-half stoppage time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Shabab Al Ahli continuing to press and probe. Yuri Cesar went close again just a minute after the restart, unleashing a fierce strike from distance that sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Kalba’s task became even harder in the 82nd minute when Renne Alezones was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Mateus Lima, leaving the hosts to finish the game with ten men.
However, despite their numerical advantage, Shabab Al Ahli couldn’t find the cutting edge in front of goal, as Kalba stood firm under heavy late pressure.
The result leaves both teams level on 11 points after six rounds, with Kalba sitting third on goal difference ahead of Shabab Al Ahli in fourth.
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