Al Wahda's Adnoc Pro League title hopes suffer major blow with defeat to Sharjah

Al Wahda’s hopes of keeping alive their fading Adnoc Pro League title campaign suffered a significant blow on Friday after a 2-1 defeat to Sharjah at Al Nahyan Stadium.

Adrien Silva gave Wahda the lead on 23 minutes but Sharjah’s Congolese forward Ben Malango levelled on 38 minutes and was on target again before half time. Malango's brace proved enough to secure the three points and keep Sharjah in the hunt for a top three finish and entry into next year's Asian Champions League.

Wahda, in second, third-placed Al Jazira, and Sharjah are only separated by goal difference with four games of the season remaining. Runaway leaders Al Ain can extend their advantage to 10 points with a win at 12th-placed Al Dhafra on Saturday.

Jazira moved level with Wahda and Sharjah with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ajman at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium.

UAE striker Ali Mabkhout found the net twice after Abdoulay Diaby had put Jazira in front on 17 minutes.

Mabkhout and Diaby exchanged with the latter dispatching a low finish past the keeper Ali Al Hosani.

The UAE international doubled his side's lead on 37 minute with a clinical finish when Abdulla Ramadan chipped a ball over Ajman's defence into the penalty area.

Makhbout grabbed his brace on 72 minutes when he met Mohammed Jamal's through pass with a smart finish into the back of the net.

MATCH INFO

New Zealand 176-8 (20 ovs)

England 155 (19.5 ovs)

New Zealand win by 21 runs

RACE CARD

4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m

5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m

5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m

6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m

6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m

7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m

Dubai World Cup prize money

Group 1 (Purebred Arabian) 2000m Dubai Kahayla Classic - $750,000
Group 2 1,600m(Dirt) Godolphin Mile - $750,000
Group 2 3,200m (Turf) Dubai Gold Cup – $750,000
Group 1 1,200m (Turf) Al Quoz Sprint – $1,000,000
Group 2 1,900m(Dirt) UAE Derby – $750,000
Group 1 1,200m (Dirt) Dubai Golden Shaheen – $1,500,000
Group 1 1,800m (Turf) Dubai Turf – $4,000,000
Group 1 2,410m (Turf) Dubai Sheema Classic – $5,000,000
Group 1 2,000m (Dirt) Dubai World Cup– $12,000,000

RESULTS

5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000, 2,400m
Winner: Recordman, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000, 2,200m
Winner: AF Taraha, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m
Winner: Dhafra, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m
Winner: Maqam, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000, 1,600m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Fernando Jara, Musabah Al Muhairi

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000, 1,600m
Winner: Optimizm, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi

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