Ajman Stuns Al-Wehda in UAE Pro League Opener

Ajman delivered a major upset by defeating hosts Al-Wahda 3-2 in the opening match of the first stage of the UAE Pro League at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The home side, led by Brazilian Lorinzi do Nascimento and considered one of the title contenders, were stunned as they fell behind early, with Moroccan Yassin Jabri providing the assist for the opening goal in the 5th minute. The other Brazilian, Victor Henrique, doubled the lead from a free-kick that deceived goalkeeper Zayed Al-Hammadi in the 51st minute. Iranian Mohammad Ghorbani pulled one back for Al-Wahda in the 77th minute, but Henrique scored his second and Ajman’s third after a serious error by goalkeeper Al-Hammadi in dealing with a Brazilian shot in the 83rd minute. Mali’s Brahim Diarra scored a second for Al-Wahda in stoppage time (90+3). In another match, Al-Nasr avoided an opening defeat against visitors Kalba, turning a two-goal deficit into a 2-2 draw. Kalba had taken the lead through Serbian Nemanja Jovic in the 7th minute and Iranian Saman Ghoddos from a penalty in the 20th minute. Al-Nasr’s equalizers came from Ivorian Abdoulaye Touré in the 64th minute and Chris Bedi from a penalty in the 77th minute.