Euphoria from last week’s UAE Super Cup success for Sharjah instantly dissipated after they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Al Jazira.
The Win reignited the latter’s ADNOC Pro League title hopes amid winning returns for the rest of the chasing pack in matchweek 19.
Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli managed to maintain a one-point lead at the top of the ADNOC Pro League's table after the end of the matchweek 18, which saw a tally of 23 goals.
Matchweek 18, which took place on Thursday and Friday, March 2nd and 3rd, saw just a home win, five away victories, and one draw.
Brazilian youngster Yuri Cesar’s second-half strike kept leaders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club in control with a 2-1 victory against Ittihad Kalba; second-placed Al-Wasl breezed past second-bottom Al-Dhafra 2-0, and impressive Argentine Facundo Kruspzky headed home a third goal in six top-flight outings as fourth-placed Al-Wahda downed fallen giants Al-Nasr 1-0.
The 2021-22 ADNOC Pro League title holders Al-Ain, meanwhile, eased to a 3-0 triumph against bottom-placed Dibba Al-Fujairah. Angola striker Fabio Abreu netted a second-half brace to ensure a 2-2 draw, with promoted Al-Bataeh and Tunisia magician Firas Ben Larbi netted twice in first-half injury time when dark horses Ajman prevailed at middling Baniyas 3-2.
Matchweek 19 is set to see intriguing matchups that should offer plenty of entertainment for fans, including:
League leaders Shabab Al Ahli (39 points) vs. Al Jazira (33 points)
Al Wasl (38) vs. Sharjah (34 points)
Al Ain (37 points) vs. Al Wahda (37 points)