Sharjah struck twice in the closing stages to claim a commanding 2-0 win over Al Dhafra in Matchweek 14 of the ADNOC Pro League on Wednesday, with Luan Pereira and Saul Guarirapa finding the net late on.
After a tight and cautious contest for long spells, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute.
Pereira timed his run to perfection to meet Harib Abdalla Suhail’s pinpoint cross, powering a header beyond the goalkeeper to give Sharjah a deserved lead.
Guarirapa then wrapped up the points deep into stoppage time. Pereira, the standout performer on the night, danced past multiple defenders inside the penalty area before unselfishly squaring the ball for Guarirapa, who calmly slotted to seal the victory.
The visitors had shown early intent, with Pereira rattling the post with a header just three minutes into the match.
That effort proved to be the only clear-cut chance of a cagey first half, as both sides remained disciplined and risk-averse, heading into the break goalless.
Sharjah came out with greater urgency after the restart. Pereira went close again in the 52nd minute after beating two defenders, only to see his strike flash wide of the post.
The Brazilian midfielder then endured a moment of frustration shortly after the hour mark, smashing a penalty against the crossbar.
Undeterred, Sharjah continued to apply pressure and were finally rewarded late on, before holding firm at the back to see out the result in assured fashion.
The win lifts Sharjah up to seventh place in the standings with 17 points, while Al Dhafra remain eighth, one point behind on 16.
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