Al Wasl produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Al Jazira 2-1 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in matchweek 25 of the ADNOC Pro League.
The result strengthens Al Wasl’s grip on third place with 45 points, moving them four points clear of fourth placed Al Jazira as the battle for the top positions intensifies heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Both sides started the contest with attacking intent in an entertaining encounter played at a high tempo from the opening whistle.
Al Wasl enjoyed long spells of possession early on, while Al Jazira looked dangerous on the counter attack through the creativity and movement of Nabil Fekir.
The hosts took the lead after 34 minutes in fortunate circumstances. Nabil Fekir drove into the penalty area before firing an effort towards goal that took a decisive deflection off Adryelson Silva and looped into the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless as Al Jazira moved in front.
Al Wasl responded positively and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser before the break. Fabio Lima and Ali Saleh both tested the defence as the visitors increased the pressure and pinned Al Jazira deeper inside their own half.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 64th minute following a chaotic sequence inside the penalty area. A loose ball ricocheted between several players before falling kindly to Siaka Sidibe, who showed composure to calmly slot into the bottom corner and bring Al Wasl level.
The visitors continued to dominate possession during the closing stages, while Al Jazira remained dangerous on quick transitions as both sides searched for a decisive winner in an open and fiercely contested encounter.
Just when the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Fabio Lima delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.
Lima forward reacted quickest inside the six yard box and applied a clinical close range finish to complete Al Wasl’s comeback and spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Al Jazira pushed forward in the final moments in a desperate attempt to salvage a point, but Al Wasl held firm to secure a valuable victory in one of the standout matches of the round.
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