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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.
Al Nasr returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Kalba at Al Maktoum Stadium.
Abdoulaye Toure opened the scoring in the 14th minute, while Kalba had a goal ruled out for offside.
The visitors equalised through Andreas Maxso in the 64th minute, but Luka Milivojevic restored Al Nasr’s lead from the penalty spot in the 72nd. A late red card for Khalid Ali Aldarmaki allowed Al Nasr to control the remainder of the match. The win moves Al Nasr to sixth with 37 points, while Kalba stay 11th on 24.
In another match, Khorfakkan were denied a memorable victory after Al Wahda snatched a dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
The result leaves Al Wahda fifth with 40 points, while Khorfakkan move to eighth place with 27 points.
Fresh from lifting the ADIB Cup title, Al Wahda entered the contest looking to continue their momentum, but Khorfakkan started brightly and showed no fear against one of the league’s strongest sides.
The hosts found the breakthrough in spectacular fashion after 27 minutes through N’Guessan Jean Kouadio.
The forward picked up the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a thunderous strike that flew into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
