Khorfakkan Club stunned the UAE football scene with their remarkable 2-1 victory over reigning champions Al Wasl during the opening of matchday 18 of the ADNOC Pro League held at Sharjah Stadium. This victory marks Khorfakkan's third consecutive win, showcasing their recent remarkable form.
The match kicked off with Al Wasl exerting pressure, but it was Khorfakkan who struck first. The visitors took the lead through Brazilian Brian Ramirez, who netted the opening goal after 33 minutes, converting a well-placed cross with precision. For all of their early dominance, Al Wasl was unable to find the back of the net, creating the backdrop for Khorfakkan’s surprising turn of events.
Al Wasl fought back valiantly after halftime and found the equalizer just 10 minutes after the break. Moroccan defender Sofiane Bouftini scored, disrupting Khorfakkan's momentum. The match intensified, with both teams vying for the advantage. Al Wasl sought to capitalize on their well-timed substitutions, introducing key players including Fabio Lima, who has been pivotal for them this season.
With the clock ticking down and the match seemingly destined for a draw, Khorfakkan delivered the decisive blow. South Korean forward Kwon Won-kyung scored spectacularly with just seconds to spare, heading the ball firmly past Al Wasl's goalkeeper to snatch the three points, resulting in jubilation from the Khorfakkan supporters.
This win is particularly significant for Khorfakkan as it not only helps them reclaim momentum but marks the first time they have defeated Al Wasl both home and away during the Pro League's history, creating memorable moments for the club's fans.
Overall, Khorfakkan now finds themselves with 24 points, moving them to eighth place, as they continue to close the gap on the teams above them. On the other hand, Al Wasl's defeat marks their fifth loss of the current season, which derails their recent three-game winning streak and leaves them with 27 points, placing them sixth.
Analysts also note the increasing competitiveness of Khorfakkan, highlighting their ability to adapt and capitalize on scoring opportunities effectively. They are aiming to maintain this form as they look forward to upcoming fixtures.
The matchup served as not just another regular league fixture but as both teams' preparation for the future challenges and aspirations within the league. Khorfakkan aims to finish the season strong and perhaps replicate this success against other strong teams. Meanwhile, Al Wasl will reassess their strategy to regain their footing and continue their chase for the title.