Author: Altayeb Ali

Al Dhafra’s first football team will be hosted by Dibba Al Fujairah at 5:50 pm this Sunday, as part of Matchweek 21 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Al Dhafra heads into the match aiming for all three points to regain their winning form, which has been absent over the last nine rounds, and to improve their position in the standings as the competition approaches its final stages.

The team’s technical staff, led by Željko Petrović, completed preparations during the international break through intensive training sessions, focusing on preparing the substitutes to compensate for the influential absences caused by injuries and suspensions. The coach expressed confidence in the available players’ ability to secure this important result.

It is worth noting that Al Dhafra sit 12th in the table with 18 points, while Dibba Al Fujairah is at the bottom of the standings with 14 points, making this match especially important in the battle to improve positions.

Željko Petrović, head coach of Al Dhafra’s first football team, stressed the importance of the upcoming match against Dibba Al Fujairah next Sunday in Matchweek 21 of the ADNOC Pro League.

He made the remarks during the pre-match press conference held on Friday evening at the press conference hall of Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in the presence of Al Dhafra player Mansour Al Harbi.

Petrović emphasized that the match is highly important for both teams, while also pointing to the significance of Al Dhafra’s remaining matches during the next phase of the league campaign.

He added that the technical staff had prepared well for the match over the past two weeks despite the absence of several players, explaining that the team had worked on compensating for those absences with new players. He stressed that they understand the responsibility placed upon them and that the team must travel to Dibba, aiming to secure all three points while maintaining maximum focus and intelligence in order to preserve the club’s place in the league.

For his part, Mansour Al Harbi stressed the importance of the match for both sides, noting that the players will give everything they have to deliver a performance that meets their ambitions, the ambitions of the club’s board of directors, and brings joy to the fans.

Al Harbi also called on Al Dhafra supporters to attend the match and back the players during this important stage of the team’s league journey.

Al Dhafra’s first football team suffered a 3–0 defeat against hosts Al Wasl in their match on Wednesday evening at Zabeel Stadium, as part of Matchweek 20 of the ADNOC Pro League.

The first half was relatively balanced, with both sides showing a cautious approach for most of the period. Al Dhafra relied on a conservative defensive setup, attempting to reach Al Wasl’s goal through sporadic counterattacks and long balls, but these efforts failed to pose any real threat.

On the other hand, Al Wasl looked slightly better in terms of possession and attacking intent, though they struggled to break through Al Dhafra’s defense until the 30th minute, when they managed to score the opener with a header. The first half ended with Al Dhafra trailing 1–0.

In the second half, Al Dhafra failed to respond as needed despite their urgency to equalize. The team’s performance declined, and individual errors emerged, which Al Wasl capitalized on to score two more goals in the 51st and 80th minutes.

Al Dhafra’s technical staff attempted to turn the game around with several attacking substitutions, but the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle confirmed a 3–0 victory for Al Wasl.

The match also saw three red cards issued—two for Al Dhafra players and one for an Al Wasl player.

With this result, Al Dhafra remain on 18 points in 12th place, while Al Wasl move up to 33 points in fifth place.

Al Dhafra Club fans and supporters turn their attention this Wednesday evening to Za’abeel Stadium, home of Al Wasl, for the anticipated clash that brings together “Fares Al Dhafra” and their hosts Al Wasl in Matchweek 20 of the ADNOC Pro League, kicking off at 9:30 PM.

The two sides enter the match with contrasting ambitions, adding a distinct competitive edge to the encounter. Al Dhafra, who sit 12th with 18 points, are striving to escape the danger zone and secure a positive result that would boost their chances of survival.

On the other hand, Al Wasl, playing at home and currently fifth with 30 points, aims to consolidate its position and move closer to the top four, taking advantage of Al Wahda’s setback against Al Ain yesterday.

Meanwhile, Al Dhafra’s technical staff, led by Montenegrin coach Željko Petrović, has focused on addressing the shortcomings from the previous match while analyzing the opponent’s strengths and preparing the appropriate tactical approach for a game that appears open to all possibilities, given the strong motivation on both sides.

Best wishes to Al Dhafra players for a strong performance and the desired result.

Montenegrin coach Željko Petrović, head coach of Al Dhafra’s first football team, confirmed the difficulty of the upcoming clash against Al Wasl FC in Matchweek 20 of the ADNOC Pro League.

This came during the pre-match press conference held on Monday evening at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium, in the presence of player Sultan Al Za’aabi.

Petrović stressed the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match and adhering to a strong defensive system, praising the team’s defensive performance in their previous match against Al Jazira Club despite being a man down.

He added that the match against Al Wasl will be difficult but not impossible, noting that around seven matches remain in the league and that the team needs two or three wins to secure survival.

The Al Dhafra coach confirmed that the team will enter the match with high morale and strong confidence in the players, despite the absence of some key elements, expressing hope that luck will be on their side.

Meanwhile, Sultan Al Zaabi emphasized the importance of the current stage of the season, stating that it requires greater focus and fighting spirit on the pitch.

He also highlighted the difficulty of the upcoming match against Al Wasl, expressing hope that fans will attend and support the players during the game.

Al Dhafra Ramadan Championship 2026 Concludes in a Spectacular Sporting Celebration

Al Dhafra Ramadan Championship 2026, organized by Al Dhafra Sports Club, concluded the evening before last, Wednesday, in a thrilling sporting atmosphere after weeks of events across Al Dhafra region.

The tournament reaffirmed its status as one of the largest sporting and community events during the holy month of Ramadan.

The final closing ceremony took place at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, attracting a notable audience and festive atmosphere. Over 40 sports and community competitions were held across six major cities—Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Al Sila, Delma Island, Al Mirfa, and Al Dhannah—featuring 4,116 participants in 586 teams. The championship showcased vibrant competition and community cohesion, with Madinat Zayed hosting the largest share of participants: 183 teams and more than 1,075 athletes competing across multiple tournaments and games amid enthusiastic crowds.

Football Competitions

In the senior football category, Aradah Team claimed the championship after a dominant performance in the final, defeating Bainouna Team 4–0, demonstrating clear superiority throughout the match.

In the juniors’ football competition, Al Harifa Team captured the title with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Nojoom Al Dhafra Team, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time to secure the championship amid jubilant celebrations.

Volleyball

In volleyball, Aradah Team again took the title, defeating Al Dhafra B Team 3–1 in a hard-fought final, with both teams exchanging control until Aradah secured victory through consistent performance and teamwork.

Other Competitions

• Baloot Championship: Al Dabdaba Team won first place, followed by F3 Team in second and Madinat Zayed Team in third.
• Cricket Tournament: Pirates Team claimed the top spot after strong performances throughout the tournament, with Golden Arm Team finishing second.

Celebration and Recognition

The championship concluded with a festive ceremony honoring the winning teams, outstanding players, and supporting partners. Participants and spectators widely praised the excellent organization and the diversity of activities, confirming the championship’s position as a highlight of the Ramadan sporting calendar in the region.

Future Tournaments

Hamdan Saif Al Mansouri, Chairman of Al Dhafra Sports Club, praised the continuous support from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in Al Dhafra, emphasizing its critical role in the success of sporting events like the Ramadan Championship. Al Mansouri highlighted that ongoing support motivates the club to further develop sports and community programs across the region.

The coming period will see the organization of additional tournaments and community competitions in Al Dhafra’s cities, aiming to expand participation, provide diverse sporting opportunities, strengthen community ties, and promote a culture of sports among the youth.

Community and Sporting Success

Tahnoun Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Head of the Organizing Committee, noted that the championship reflected great success in both organization and public participation, serving as a platform that brought together the people of Al Dhafra in competitive yet festive settings during Ramadan, enhancing both sportsmanship and community engagement.

Al Dhafra Ramadan Championship 2026 concluded the evening before last in Al Marfa City, organized by Al Dhafra Sports Club, amid an exciting sporting atmosphere and wide participation from teams representing various cities across the Al Dhafra Region. The tournament featured five diverse sports competitions, including football for seniors and juniors, volleyball, padel, and running, in addition to several accompanying activities that reflected the unique Ramadan spirit and the values of fair competition among participants.

The tournament witnessed a notable turnout from residents of Al Marfa, who were keen to attend the final matches and support the participating teams in a family-friendly sporting atmosphere, highlighting the growing status of the championship as one of the most prominent sports and community events in the Al Dhafra Region during the holy month of Ramadan.

In the senior football competition, Moqab Team secured the title after defeating Al Dhafra Team 2–1 in a closely contested and thrilling match that remained intense until the final minutes.

Both teams delivered an impressive technical performance, but Moqab proved more effective in capitalizing on their chances to seal the victory and claim the championship title.

In the juniors’ football competition, the match between Toofan and Nojoom Ramadan ended in a 1–1 draw in an exciting contest where the young players displayed promising skills and a strong competitive spirit.

After the conclusion of the matches, both teams were level on 10 points each. However, Toofan clinched the title on goal difference to be crowned champions, while Nojoom Ramadan finished in second place.

In the volleyball competition, Al Marfa Team defeated Al Harmiyah Team 3–1 in a strong match marked by intense rallies and decisive points. Al Marfa eventually secured the win thanks to solid organization and strong on-court chemistry among its players, claiming the championship title.

In the padel tournament, Erkal Team claimed the championship title following an outstanding performance throughout the competition to secure first place, while Al Mughira Team finished second after a competitive final between the two sides.

The Al Dhafra Ramadan Championship in Al Marfa reflected the tournament’s strong organizational success, providing a sporting platform that brings together youth and athletes in a competitive environment while promoting a culture of sports and encouraging the community to engage in physical activities.

The organizing committee was also keen to provide an appropriate sporting environment for participating teams and spectators, contributing to the successful delivery of the competitions in a manner befitting the status of the championship, which has become a highly anticipated annual event across the cities of the Al Dhafra Region.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the winning teams were crowned, and outstanding players and supporting partners were honored, amid widespread praise for the high technical level of the competitions and the successful organization of the championship.

Al Dhafra FC lost to their guests, Al Jazira Club, 2–1 in the match that brought the two sides together on Tuesday evening at Hamad bin Zayed Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in the opening fixture of Round 19 of the UAE Pro League.

Al Dhafra’s task became complicated early in the match after the team was reduced to ten men in the 24th minute following the sending-off of midfielder Joe Rostand.

Al Jazira had opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error in coverage inside the penalty area. The visitors maintained a relative advantage in possession and chances, ending the first half with a 1–0 lead.

At the start of the second half, Al Dhafra showed clear intent to level the score. The team’s coach made an early substitution with Mansour Al Harbi replacing Firas Al-Khusaibi. The response came quickly, as Moroccan forward Mohammed Al-Khaloui equalized in the 48th minute after taking advantage of a mistake by an Al Jazira defender and finishing calmly in a one-on-one situation.

The equalizer gave Al Dhafra a strong morale boost as they pushed forward in search of another goal. However, Al Jazira regained the lead after benefiting from another defensive lapse in coverage.

In the remaining minutes, Al Dhafra’s goalkeeper produced several crucial saves to deny dangerous attempts, while the attacking substitutions made by the coach were unable to bring the match back to level terms, as the encounter ended with a 2–1 victory for Al Jazira.

Following this result, Al Dhafra remain on 18 points in 11th place, while Al Jazira move up to 34 points in fourth place.

Al Dhafra’s first football team hosts Al Jazira this Tuesday evening at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in a Ramadan night clash as part of Matchweek 19 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Al Dhafra enters the match with great ambition and a strong desire to strengthen their position in the league standings, especially as the competition approaches its decisive stages, where the battle for the top spots and the fight to avoid relegation are becoming increasingly clear.

“The Western Knight” is aiming to rediscover the winning rhythm after a period without victories, hoping to make a strong return on home soil, which has often proven to be a difficult venue for visiting teams and a source of strength for Al Dhafra in many previous encounters.

The team completed its preparations through a series of intensive training sessions marked by seriousness and high spirits. The technical staff, led by Montenegrin head coach Željko Petrović, focused on addressing some of the negatives that appeared in recent matches, while also strengthening the technical aspects the team seeks to improve, amid strong commitment from the players and continuous follow-up from the club’s management and administrative staff.

Al Dhafra players are looking to deliver a strong performance that reflects a positive reaction on the pitch and to repay the fans who have continued to support the team in all matches, both at home and away.

On the other hand, Al Dhafra are fully aware that they will face a strong opponent whose level has noticeably improved as the league progresses. Al Jazira will also be aiming to continue their positive results and secure one of the top three positions in the standings.

Al Dhafra currently sits in 11th place with 18 points, while Al Jazira occupies 4th place with 31 points, giving the match significant importance for both teams despite their differing motivations at this stage of the competition.

The 2026 Al Dhafra Ramadan Tournament, organized by the “UAE Sports Club,” concluded on Dalma Island amid an atmosphere full of excitement and competition. The tournament saw wide participation from various cities across the Al Dhafra region and included athletes of multiple nationalities. At the Dalma Center, seven diverse sports competitions were held, including football for adults and juniors, men’s volleyball, men’s and women’s padel, women’s badminton, and a running marathon that attracted over 150 participants of different ages and nationalities, creating a community sports event that reflected the spirit of Ramadan and highlighted the role of sports in fostering social cohesion.

The closing day witnessed strong attendance from Dalma Island residents, who came to watch the final matches and cheer on the participating teams, creating a celebratory atmosphere that showcased the tournament’s success in engaging both athletes and enthusiasts.

Football Competitions

In the adult football tournament, the final saw a fierce match between Habshan and Dalma. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Dalma secured victory through penalty kicks, claiming the championship amid great celebration from players and fans alike.

In the junior football competition, Dalma also claimed the title after an exciting 3-2 win over Al Dhafra. The match was competitive and thrilling until the final minutes, with the referee officially crowning Dalma as champions following an impressive performance by the young players throughout the tournament.

In men’s volleyball, Dalma won the championship after defeating Jarnain 2-0 in a well-organized and strong performance from both teams, with Dalma ultimately dominating the match to secure the title.

Padel Tournament

In the men’s padel competition, Hameem claimed the championship by defeating Das in straight sets, 12-2, showcasing clear superiority and technical skill that secured their victory.

Marathon

The running marathon featured over 150 participants from various nationalities and age groups. The race was highly competitive and energetic, highlighting the widespread culture of sports and physical activity within the community.

Organizational Success

The overall atmosphere of the tournament reflected the great success of the 2026 Al Dhafra Ramadan Tournament in terms of participation and diversity of sports. The event became a platform bringing together youth and families in a special Ramadan setting.