Shabab Al Ahli came from a goal down to defeat Al Orooba 3-1 in matchweek 16 of the ADNOC Pro League at Rashid Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors did not need much time to open the scoring as Saeed Obaid picked up the ball in the midfield, and dribbled skilfully past Shabab Al Ahli's defence, before curling a low effort into the left bottom corner of the net 13 minutes into the game.
Seven minutes later, the hosts restored parity when Federico Cartabia picked out Mehdi Ghayedi with a smart pass inside the box, and the latter easily tapped the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Shabab Al Ahli could have doubled their lead when Cartabia curled in a free-kick that was brilliantly saved by Al Orooba goalkeeper Ahmed Al Hosani in the stoppage time of the first half.
Halfway through the second period, the hosts took the lead for the first time on the evening when Ghayedi and Cartabia exchanged roles, with the Iranian cutting inside the penalty area from the left, before sending in a low cross to Cartabia, who converted it in.
Defender Mohammed Marzooq cemented his side's victory in the 74th minute when he met Cartabia's cross with a powerful header, which was first denied by Al Hosani, but Marzooq pounced on the rebound to secure the three points for his team.
Shabab Al Ahli overtook Sharjah into third place after the latter had drawn Al Wasl yesterday, with the Dubai side moving level on 30 points but pipping their rivals on head-to-head. Meanwhile while Al Orooba remain in 13th with just nine points, two adrift of safety.
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