Shabab Al Ahli Secure 2-1 Victory Over Ajman in UAE Pro League

Shabab Al Ahli continued their strong start to the 2024-2025 ADNOC UAE Pro League season with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Ajman at the Rashid bin Saeed Stadium on Friday night. This victory marks their second consecutive win, keeping them in the top tier of the league standings.

The Dubai-based club took the lead in the 26th minute when Bogdan Planic scored a superb header, capitalizing on a well-executed set piece. Shabab Al Ahli doubled their advantage in the 68th minute with a composed finish from Sardar Azmoum, who expertly controlled the ball inside the box before finding the back of the net.

Despite being down by two goals, Ajman showed resilience and quickly responded just four minutes later. Junior Flemmings reduced the deficit with a powerful header, keeping Ajman’s hopes alive. However, despite their efforts, Ajman was unable to find an equalizer, thanks in part to a solid defensive display from Shabab Al Ahli.

The match was filled with drama, particularly in the first half. Ajman nearly opened the scoring in the 11th minute, but Shabab Al Ahli’s goalkeeper, Hassan Hamza, made a stunning save to deny Hikal Chikhaoui’s fierce shot. Later, in stoppage time of the first half, Ajman was awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Shabab Al Ahli’s victory brings them to six points, placing them third in the UAE Pro League standings, behind leaders Al Nasr and second-placed Sharjah on goal difference. Ajman, still searching for their first points of the season, remain in 11th place.

In other matches, Al Nasr maintained their perfect start to the season with a dominant 4-1 win over Bani Yas at Al Maktoum Stadium. Goals from Adel Taarabt, Othmane Boussaid, Ali Mabkhout, and Abdoulaye Toure secured the victory, despite Youssoufou Niakate’s brief equalizer for Bani Yas.

Meanwhile, Al Jazira bounced back from a disappointing start to the season by defeating newly-promoted Al Orooba 2-0. Rabii’s header, assisted by the newly arrived Mohamed Elneny, secured the win in the 45th minute. Although Al Jazira missed several clear chances, they managed to hold on to their lead and take all three points.

As the league progresses, Al Nasr currently leads the table with six points, followed by Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli, also on six points but with a lower goal difference. Defending champions Al Wasl, who secured a 1-0 win over Dibba Al Hisn on Thursday, are in sixth place.