Al-Wasl Set to Face Al-Jazira in the QF of the UAE Pro League Cup
Sara KhaledAl Wasl Survives Dhafra Scare to Set Up Cup Quarter-Final Showdown with Defending Champions
Al Wasl secured their place in the UAE Pro League Cup quarter-finals despite a nervy 4-2 home victory over Dhafra that nearly saw them surrender a commanding first-leg advantage. The Dubai-based club will now face defending champions Al Jazira after completing a 9-3 aggregate triumph, but their second-leg performance exposed vulnerabilities that could prove costly against stronger opposition.
Early Shock Nearly Derails Al Wasl's Cup Campaign
What should have been a routine progression turned into a tense affair at Zabeel Stadium when Dhafra's Khalil Al Hammadi struck in the 10th minute. The early goal effectively wiped out Al Wasl's substantial 5-1 first-leg cushion, transforming the psychological dynamics of the tie and forcing the hosts to rebuild their confidence from scratch.
The goal's impact was immediately visible in Al Wasl's play, with the team appearing rattled by the unexpected pressure. However, Brazilian midfielder Renato Junior restored parity in the 25th minute, providing the crucial psychological boost that allowed Al Wasl to regain control of both the match and their nerves.
Second-Half Drama Tests Al Wasl's Championship Credentials
The second period delivered another twist when Salem Al Azizi's 62nd-minute own goal handed Dhafra a surprise lead, raising genuine questions about Al Wasl's ability to handle pressure situations. For a brief moment, the aggregate score had tightened to 7-4, with Dhafra showing they weren't ready to surrender without a fight.
Al Wasl's response proved telling of their championship ambitions. Tahnoon Al Zaabi equalized just three minutes later, demonstrating the mental resilience that separates contenders from pretenders in knockout football. The quick recovery suggested a team that has learned to thrive under pressure rather than wilt.
Clinical Finish Seals Quarter-Final Berth
Saldanha's 69th-minute winner effectively ended Dhafra's resistance, while a stoppage-time fourth goal, courtesy of Mohsen Al Rabja's error, provided the comfortable margin that the aggregate score suggested should have been routine throughout.
Al Jazira Clash Looms as True Test
While Al Wasl's progression was never seriously in doubt given their first-leg dominance, the manner of this victory raises questions about their readiness for elite competition. Defending champions Al Jazira will present a vastly different challenge than the struggling Dhafra, who have found consistency elusive this season.
The quarter-final matchup represents a significant step up in quality and pressure. Al Jazira's experience in high-stakes matches, combined with their championship pedigree, will test whether Al Wasl's resilience can translate against opponents who won't gift them the same scoring opportunities that characterized both legs against Dhafra.
Al Wasl's cup run now enters its most challenging phase, where their ability to maintain composure under sustained pressure from quality opposition will determine whether their championship ambitions have substance beyond impressive aggregate scores against lesser teams.
