Author: Altayeb Ali

With an away draw, Al Dhafra FC kept its chances in ADNOC Pro League

Al Dhafra FC kept its hopes of remaining in the ADNOC Pro League alive after drawing 2-2 away against Baniyas Club in the match held on Tuesday evening at Baniyas Stadium in Al Shamkha.

The game was an exciting encounter, with Al Dhafra taking the lead through Karim El Berkaoui in the very first minute, scoring the fastest goal of the competition this season.

Baniyas equalized through striker Youssoufou Niakaté in the 36th minute, before El Berkaoui restored Al Dhafra’s lead with a second goal in the 56th minute. Nassim Chadli then leveled the score again for Baniyas in the 80th minute.

Overall, the match was full of excitement despite the cautious approach from both teams. Al Dhafra controlled most of the first half with strong focus and effective defending that limited Baniyas’ attacking threats except for the equalizing move.

In the second half, Al Dhafra continued its disciplined tactical display and regained the lead thanks to an excellent individual effort from El Berkaoui in the 56th minute. However, Baniyas managed to equalize again after a brief lapse in concentration from Al Dhafra.

The second half also witnessed several tactical substitutions from both coaches as each side pushed for victory, but the match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.

With the result, Al Dhafra increased its tally to 19 points in 13th place, moving past the 18-point mark and reviving hopes of survival with two decisive rounds remaining before the end of the UAE Pro League season.

Al Dhafra FC face Bani Yas Club aiming to get back on track.

Al Dhafra FC will be hosted by Bani Yas Club at 8:45 PM this Tuesday at Bani Yas Stadium in Al Shamkha in Matchweek 24 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Al Dhafra heads into the match with 18 points in 13th place, with only three rounds remaining in the competition, making it crucial for the team to come away with the best possible result.

The coaching staff and players are fully aware of the sensitivity of this stage, which has been clearly reflected in the team’s preparations, marked by high concentration and discipline, alongside a collective desire to get back on track and return to positive results.

During recent training sessions, the technical staff focused on correcting the mistakes that appeared in previous rounds while also strengthening the physical and mental aspects to ensure the squad is fully prepared for the match.

The team will be without midfielder Jos Santos, who is suspended for today’s game.

Al Dhafra will also rely on the support of its fans, who have always been an influential factor in such circumstances, as the team looks to achieve a positive result that could improve its survival hopes.

Fighting spirit on the pitch will also be a key factor in today’s encounter, especially with the tight competition and small gap in points among the teams battling to avoid relegation.

The match will certainly not be easy, but it represents a real opportunity for the players to prove their ability to handle pressure and keep alive their hopes of remaining in the ADNOC Pro League. It could shape the next phase of the season, renew the team’s hopes, and ultimately determine its fate.

Best wishes to Al Dhafra’s players for a strong performance and a winning result.

Alen Hovart: The players are fully aware of the team’s situation and are working hard to change it.

Croatian coach Alen Hovart, head coach of Al Dhafra Club, praised his players, confirming that they are fully aware of the team’s current situation in the league and are working hard to change it in order to secure their stay in the ADNOC Pro League.

He made these remarks during the pre-match press conference for the Bani Yas game in matchweek 24 of the ADNOC Pro League, held on Sunday evening at the press conference hall of Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in the presence of team player Rostand Djooh.

Hovart explained that the players have been showing good levels in training, noting that they are training with great seriousness because they understand the importance of the match, which represents a crucial stage in the team’s campaign.

The Croatian coach added that he is extremely pleased with the players’ commitment during training sessions, as they are giving their maximum effort in a highly positive atmosphere.

Hovart concluded by calling on the club’s fans to come to Abu Dhabi and support the players in this important encounter.

For his part, Rostand Djooh stressed the importance of  Bani Yas match in Al Dhafra’s journey, affirming the players’ determination to achieve the best possible result.

Djooh also renewed his call for the club’s supporters to back the team, expressing his hope of making them happy and celebrating a positive result together after this important match.

Al Dhafra 0 – 1 Ajman

Al Dhafra suffered a 1–0 defeat against their guests, Ajman, in the match that brought them together today at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, as part of Matchweek 23 of the ADNOC Pro League.

The first half witnessed a balanced performance from both sides, with a slight edge in possession for Ajman, but neither team managed to seriously threaten the goal.

At the start of the second half, Al Dhafra imposed control and looked more dangerous, creating two clear scoring chances but failing to convert. A goal by Karim El Berkaoui in the 62nd minute was also ruled out by VAR for offside.

Both teams finished the match with ten men, after Ajman’s Anas Amtitich was sent off in the 76th minute, followed by a red card for Al Dhafra midfielder Jobson Santos in the 84th minute.

In the 87th minute, Ajman scored the only goal of the match with a shot from outside the penalty area.

With this result, Al Dhafra remains on 18 points in 13th place, while Ajman moves up to 27 points, climbing to seventh in the standings.

Al Dhafra host Ajman in a bid to break the 18-point barrier.

Al Dhafra’s first football team will host Ajman in a match headlined by the pursuit of all three points and breaking the 18-point barrier amid an atmosphere of optimism and high morale within the squad.

Al Dhafra enters the game with strong ambitions to end their winless run as the competition intensifies with the season approaching its definitive stages, where every point has become increasingly valuable.

The team will play under new technical leadership, following the appointment of Croatian coach Alen Hofart, who guided the club to promotion to the ADNOC Pro League this season. His arrival comes after a difficult period marked by a noticeable dip in performance since the end of the first half of the season under the previous coaching staff.

Training sessions during the recent break reflected a rise in team spirit and a clear determination among the players to correct their course, with full backing from the club’s board and team management.

Al Dhafra heads into the match in 13th place with 18 points, while Ajman sit 9th with 24 points.

Al Dhafra will be aiming to deliver a strong performance and secure a positive result to improve their position in the standings.

Best of luck to Al Dhafra players.

**Hofart:** *We believe in our abilities and respect all teams in the league.*

Al Dhafra Club Croatian technical director Alen Horvat expressed his satisfaction with the 10-day break, stressing that it was an ideal opportunity to raise the team’s readiness, with training sessions marked by energy and a positive atmosphere.

He made these remarks during the pre-match press conference for Ajman game, held on Wednesday evening at the press conference hall in Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in the presence of player Mohammed Al Khaloui, to discuss the team’s preparations for the upcoming match.

Horvat explained that the team had good preparations for facing Ajman, describing the opponent as a strong side with quality players. At the same time, he stressed his great confidence in his squad and their ability to deliver a strong performance. He added, “We respect all teams in the league, but true respect is shown through hard work on the pitch.”

Al Dhafra coach also called on the fans to attend and support the players in this important match, emphasizing that their backing will have a significant impact on the team’s journey.

For his part, Al Dhafra player Mohammed Al Khaloui confirmed that the team’s main objective is to remain in the ADNOC Pro League, noting that Ajman match is a tough and important encounter, but that they have full confidence in their chances of achieving a positive result.

Al Khaloui concluded by highlighting the importance of fan attendance, considering their support a key source of strength and motivation for the players on the field.

Al Dhafra 0 -1 Al Nasr

Al Dhafra lost 1-0 to their guests Al Nasr in the match played on Saturday evening at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium, as part of Matchweek 22 of the ADNOC Pro League.

The game started quietly, with play largely confined to the midfield during the first 30 minutes and no real threat on either goal, as Al Dhafra showed good defensive organization despite a few minor errors.

Al Dhafra’s best chance of the first half came just before the break, when Mohsen Al Rabja rose to meet a corner kick with a header, but it was easily saved by Al Nasr goalkeeper.
t , and the first half ended goalless.

In the second half, the match continued at the same slow pace, with limited attempts from both sides. In the 74th minute, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened to review a penalty decision, but the referee ultimately decided not to award it.

Al Nasr scored the winning goal in the 77th minute through Cheickna Doumbia, who capitalized on a corner kick and headed the ball powerfully into the net.

In the closing minutes, Al Dhafra increased their pressure in search of an equalizer, benefiting from attacking substitutions with the introduction of Ayoub El Kaabi and Marcelinho. They nearly leveled the score from a dangerous free kick taken by Joe Rustand, but Al Nasr’s goalkeeper made an excellent save.

With this result, Al Dhafra remain on 18 points in 12th place, while Al Nasr move up to 31 points in 6th place.

Al Dhafra host Al Nasr with a new spirit and renewed ambitions

Al Dhafra’s first football team will host Al Nasr at 5:55 pm this Saturday at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium, as part of Matchweek 22 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Al Dhafra enters today’s match with a different outlook and renewed ambitions following the recent coaching change, marked by the return of their former coach Alen Hovarth, who previously led the team to promotion to the Pro League last season.

This match carries special significance as it marks the coach’s first appearance in charge after the recent change to the technical staff. The team is counting on this shift to bring about a qualitative improvement both mentally and tactically.

During the week’s training sessions, the players showed high morale and strong determination to regain balance and get back on track, benefiting from the positive atmosphere that often accompanies such changes.

The match is expected to see some tactical adjustments, whether in playing style or player positioning, as the coach looks to imprint his style from the very first game and restore confidence within the squad.

Al Dhafra fans hope this encounter will mark a true turning point toward a more stable and successful phase, with aspirations to deliver a strong performance and achieve a positive result.

Wishing Al Dhafra players the best of luck in delivering a strong performance and securing a positive outcome.

Alen Horvat: I’m optimistic and I have great enthusiasm to take on the challenge

Alen Horvat, the newly appointed head coach of Al Dhafra’s first football team, expressed his happiness at returning to lead the team once again, confirming that he has returned with a positive spirit and high energy to work on improving the team’s position in the league standings.

He made these remarks during the pre-match press conference for Al Dhafra’s game against Al Nasr in matchweek 22 of the ADNOC Pro League, held on Thursday evening at the press conference hall of Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium, in the presence of player Rayan Yaslam.

The Croatian coach explained that the task will not be easy, noting that all teams are striving to improve their positions in the standings during the final five rounds of the league, which increases the level of competition.

Hovarth added that the technical staff is working on preparing the team well through smart planning for the upcoming match, pointing out that the past three days with the team were dedicated to adaptation—an important factor at this stage. He also expressed his happiness at returning to the club, highlighting his familiarity with several players since the end of last season, and reaffirming his strong enthusiasm to take on the challenge.

He concluded by calling on Al Dhafra fans to attend the match and support the team from the stands given the importance of the fixture.

For his part, Rayan Yaslam welcomed Hovarth’s return to lead the team once again, wishing him success in his mission.

Yaslam stressed the difficulty of the upcoming match against Al Nasr next Saturday, pointing to the opponent’s strength and quality, while also emphasizing the determination of Al Dhafra players to give their best, taking advantage of home support.

He added that the team has the ability to deliver better performances, expressing hope that this match will mark a new starting point toward achieving a positive result and getting back on the right track, while reaffirming his confidence in his teammates to perform in a manner befitting the club’s stature.

The former international also called on the club’s fans and supporters to stand behind the team and support them from the stands.

Al Dhafra 0-1 Dibba Al Fujairah

Al Dhafra’s first football team suffered a 1-0 defeat against hosts Dibba Al Fujairah in the match played this evening as part of the First Division League competition.

The match saw a balanced performance from both sides for most of its periods, as Al Dhafra tried to reach the opponent’s goal and create attacking opportunities, but the team failed to take advantage of the chances available. Meanwhile, Dibba Al Fujairah managed to score the only goal of the match and secure the victory.

With this result, Al Dhafra remained on their previous points tally, while Dibba Al Fujairah increased their total after earning the win in this round.