Kalba opened their 2026-27 ADIB Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Khorfakkan at Kalba Stadium on Saturday.
Saman Ghoddos and Ahmad Noorollahi scored for Kalba in the 37th and 84th minutes, while Aylton Filipe netted Khorfakkan’s goal in the 59th minute.
Khorfakkan made the brighter start and threatened after just three minutes when Junior Flemmings fired from outside the penalty area, sending his effort narrowly over the crossbar.
The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 10th minute when Oumar Traore found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Kalba gradually took control after the opening 15 minutes and began creating more opportunities. Their pressure paid off in the 37th minute when Ghoddos scored from inside the penalty area to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Kalba enjoyed 60.2% possession in the first half, compared with Khorfakkan’s 39.8%. The hosts attempted seven shots to Khorfakkan’s one and completed 219 passes at an accuracy rate of 91.37%, compared with 130 passes at 85.38% for the visitors.
Khorfakkan responded after the break, drawing level in the 59th minute through Aylton Filipe, who finished from inside the penalty area.
Both sides continued to push for the winning goal, but Kalba eventually regained the lead six minutes from time.
Noorollahi rose to score with a well-placed header in the 84th minute, securing a 2-1 win and giving Kalba a winning start to their ADIB Cup campaign.
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