The opening matches of the ADNOC Pro League second half saw the return of Al Ain to winning ways after securing a 4-1 victory over Khorfakkan, while the three-team strong chasing pack all secured full marks on matchweek 14.
Al Jazira's match against Al Dhafra has been postponed because of the Pride of Abu Dhabi's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Al Wahda- Al Orooba
Ten-man Al Wahda came from behind to beat Al Orooba 4-2 at the former’s temporary home of Bani Yas Stadium to complete the double over the visitors.
The hosts produced 30 efforts, six of which were on target, compared to four for the visitors out of ten shots.
Al Wahda swung in 36 crosses, compared to five for Al Orooba.
Despite playing only 57 minutes, Al Wahda midfielder Khalil Ibrahim was a model of efficiency, creating five scoring chances, but none were converted by his teammates.
Brazilian forward João Pedro fired 12 shots out of Al Wahda's 30 efforts during the game.
Ittihad Kalba - Sharjah
Ousmane Camara's goal was the difference for Sharjah in a 1-0 away win over his former club Ittihad Kalba, as the visitors completed the double over their emirate rivals with the same result.
Sharjah had 60% of the possession, producing four efforts on target, compared to two for Ittihad Kalba, who enjoyed 40% of the possession.
Ittihad Kalba went route one, producing 89 long passes trying to find Togolese forward Peniel Mlapa, who won eight aerial duels out of ten, but failed to fire any shots on target.
Mlapa created two chances, but none were converted by his teammates.
Sharjah’s Bernard created a club-high five scoring chances, while Camara continued his brilliant performance after returning from a productive loan spell on the east coast.
The young Guinean netted his tenth goal and making an assist after featuring in twelve matches in all competitions with Sharjah.
Al Ain - Khorfakkan
Having fallen to their first defeat of the season against Sharjah before the winter break, Al Ain got back to winning ways with an impressive 4-1 win over Khorfakkan.
The ADNOC Pro League leaders netted four goals from six shots on target as they enjoyed 62% of the possession.
Despite the heavy defeat, Khorfakkan defender Abdalla El Refaey was their best performer, winning eight duels out of 12, producing four interceptions, and blocking three passes.
Khorfakkan became Laba Kodjo’s favourite victims as he took his tally against them to eight goals and an assist.
Al Wasl - Bani Yas
Al Wasl were held to a goalless home draw by Bani Yas despite plenty of chances at both ends of the pitch.
The Dubai-based side enjoyed the bulk of possession and posed a real danger on Bani Yas' goalkeeper, firing 18 efforts, half of which were within the frame of the goal, while Bani Yas produced ten shots, four of which were on target.
The two teams were almost equal in crosses, with Al Wasl sending 20 into the box, compared to 19 for Bani Yas.
Al Wasl duo Salem Al Azizi and Ramiro Benetti created three scoring chances each, while Bani Yas midfielder Nicolas Gimenez created four scoring chances.
Bani Yas' goalkeeper Fahad Al Dhanhani delivered a stunning performance, denying nine dangerous shots.
Shabab Al Ahli - Emirates
Shabab Al Ahli survived a late scare to beat Emirates 2-1 at Rashid Stadium.
The hosts enjoyed 63% of the possession, unleashing seven shots on target, two of which found the back of the net, whereas Emirates fired two efforts on target, one of which nestled into the net.
Al Nasr - Ajman
Ajman achieved a 1-0 victory over Al Nasr to complete their first-ever league double over the Dubai side.
Lacklustre Al Nasr failed to produce any effort on target for the first time in the last three seasons despite enjoying 60% of the possession.
Newly signed Walid Azarou marked his Ajman debut with the winner following his move from Saudi Arabia’s Ettifaq.
All of Ajman's 13 goals in the ADNOC Pro League have been scored by their foreign players.
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