The ADNOC UAE Pro League dished out one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season in a bumper week 12 round.

With the transfer window on the horizon, Al Wasl have strengthened their position at the summit as we head into a busy period.

The team from Dubai are still unbeaten after 12 games. They’ve amassed nine wins from a possible 12 games and have done so playing some fantastic football.

Fans of Al Wasl will be quietly confident they can repeat the feat of their last title back in 2006/07.

Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Wasl

It was promoted as the game of the season so far. Last season’s champions against the best team this season.

It didn’t take long for the Champions to strike first. Guilherme Da Silva calmly finished in the eighth minute to give the home side the lead.

A good indicator of a team destined to compete is to secure a result when they’re not at their best. Al Wasl’s resilience paid off. In the 39th minute they equalised. Swiss international , Haris Seferovic scored to make it 5 goals in 9 games from his debut season in the UAE.

In an edgy second-half it looked like both teams would cancel each other out. However, in the 86th minute, substitute Caio Canedo connected with a Nicolas Gimenez assist to send the jubilant Al Wasl fans into raptures as they secured an almighty comeback.

With minutes remaining, and losing 2-1, Shabab Al Ahli’s Walid Abbas Murad received a straight red card. That ultimately put the game beyond all doubt. Al Wasl held on with a man and goal advantage over their rivals.

The win means Al Wasl finish the year at the top of the table with 30 points and a five-point cushion over the nearest challenger. Shabab Al Ahli remain in 3rd position and still fighting with 24 points.

Results

Standings

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