Shabab Al Ahli maintained their winning momentum with a 2-1 win against Ajman in an exciting encounter at the Rashid bin Saeed Stadium on Friday evening. This game was part of the second matchweek in the ADNOC UAE Pro League's 2024-2025 season. Shabab Al Ahli seized the initiative in the 26th minute as Bogdan Planic scored a remarkable header from a well-orchestrated set piece. The lead was doubled in the 68th minute when Sardar Azmoun calmly slotted the ball into the net after a skillful display of ball control. Ajman demonstrated their tenacity by reducing the margin to 2-1 just four minutes later, thanks to Junior Flemmings' powerful header, reigniting the home team's aspirations.
The match was filled with suspense, particularly in the initial half. Ajman nearly broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a strong shot from Hikal Chikhaoui, but Shabab Al Ahli's goalkeeper, Hassan Hamza, pulled off a spectacular save. In additional time of the first half, Ajman was granted a penalty, which was subsequently overturned by the referee after reviewing VAR. Shabab Al Ahli maintained their dominance in the second half, despite a disallowed goal for offside by Azmoun. Ajman's efforts to level the score were consistently thwarted by Shabab Al Ahli's resolute defense.
This victory propels Shabab Al Ahli to third place in the UAE Pro League standings with six points, while Ajman remains in 11th, still in search of their first points. In another match, Al Nasr showcased their prowess with a resounding 4-1 victory over Bani Yas at Al Maktoum Stadium. Al Nasr controlled the game from the outset, with goals from Adel Taarabt, Othmane Boussaid, Ali Mabkhout, and Abdoulaye Toure ensuring their win. Bani Yas briefly equalized through Youssoufou Niakate, but Al Nasr's superiority was clear. Al Jazira bounced back from a slow start to the season by defeating Al Orooba 2-0, with Rabii scoring the opener and the only goal of the game in the 45th minute following a superb assist from Mohamed Elneny.
After two rounds of play in the UAE Pro League, Al Nasr tops the table with six points, ahead of second-placed Sharjah and third-placed Shabab Al Ahli, both on six points as well, based on goal difference. Defending champions Al Wasl, who won 1-0 against Dibba Al Hisn on Thursday, are currently in sixth place.