Dhafra Piles on the Woes of UAE Shipmasters in the League

Al Dhafra Claims Second Victory as Moroccan Duo Powers Past Struggling Dibba

Al Dhafra secured their second win of the ADNOC Pro League season with a 2-1 victory over Dibba Al Fujairah on Friday, moving to six points while their opponents remain winless after three consecutive defeats. The victory was orchestrated by two Moroccan players who found the net in a match that highlighted the growing divide between ambitious mid-table teams and those fighting relegation.

Moroccan Connection Delivers the Goods

The "Western Knights" relied heavily on their North African talent to secure the three points. Mohamed El Khallouhi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a trademark display of skill, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that nestled into the left corner of Salem Mohammed's goal.

Karim El Berkaoui sealed the victory in the 74th minute with a well-placed header from a Brazilian Vinicius Lima cross, demonstrating the tactical cohesion that has become Al Dhafra's calling card this season.

Brief Dibba Resurgence Falls Short

Dibba showed character by equalizing through Iraqi international Muhannad Ali in the 27th minute. The striker capitalized on Abdullah Khamis's precise through ball, slotting the ball past Al Dhafra goalkeeper Amjad El Sayed to level the contest at 1-1 before halftime.

Ali nearly put his team ahead in the second half with a dangerous free-kick that tested El Sayed's reflexes, but Dibba's attacking momentum proved insufficient against a more organized Al Dhafra side.

League Dynamics Taking Shape

This result reflects broader patterns emerging in the ADNOC Pro League's early stages. Al Dhafra's investment in experienced foreign talent, particularly from Morocco and Brazil, appears to be paying dividends as they establish themselves as potential dark horses for a respectable mid-table finish.

Conversely, Dibba's winless start raises serious questions about their squad depth and tactical approach. With zero points from three matches, they face the prospect of an early relegation battle unless significant improvements materialize quickly.

Tactical Insights

Al Dhafra's success stemmed from their ability to blend individual brilliance with collective pressing. El Khallouhi's early goal set the tone, while their defensive resilience after conceding showed mental strength that could serve them well in tighter contests ahead.

Dibba's reliance on Ali as their primary creative outlet proved predictable, allowing Al Dhafra to neutralize their attacking threat through targeted defensive positioning. The visitors' inability to create sustained pressure in the final third suggests deeper structural issues that extend beyond individual performances.

Looking ahead, Al Dhafra's six-point tally positions them favorably as the league enters its crucial early phase, while Dibba must quickly address their scoring and defensive frailties to avoid an extended battle against relegation.