Al Ahli Youth Showcase Five-Goal Display... Pirlo's Disappointing Start

Al Ahli Youth started strongly with a convincing 5-1 victory over host Al Jazira Al Khor Fakkan on the day before yesterday, in the opening round of the UAE Pro League. Despite Al Jazira Al Khor Fakkan taking the lead through Portuguese striker Elton Vieira (25), Al Ahli Youth, runners-up and last season’s champions of Al Ain, struck hard in the second half, netting five goals via Iranians Saeed Ezzatollah (57 and 79, the latter from a penalty) and Sardar Azmoun (87), and Brazilians Yuri Cesar (84) and Recklyme Rocha (90+2).

Al Wasl also secured a similarly impressive result, defeating newly promoted United AFC 5-1. Al Wasl dampened United’s celebrations, as the club is chaired by former Moldova national team goalkeeper Ili Ciobanu and managed by Italian coach Andrea Perlo, and has become the first foreign-owned club to compete in the UAE Pro League. Brazilian duo Renato Junior (3) and Sergio Pereira (87 and 90+6), along with Ali Saleh (89), scored for Al Wasl, while Palestinian player Sultan Abu Zaqan netted United’s sole goal (63).

Al Sharjah defeated host Al Dhafra with three Brazilian goals, scored by Luan Pereira (39), Giulimar Silva (66), and Agnier Souza (90+8), against a single goal from Senegalese striker Dominique Mendy (59).

Al Sharjah winger Kailo Lucas said, “The win is important in our first match of the season, and we will fight in every game to keep Al Sharjah at the top of the league table.” He added, “We need to improve game after game, get to know each other better as players, and become a stronger team.”