Author: Altayeb Ali

Montenegrin coach Željko Petrović, head coach of Al Dhafra Club, expects a difficult match for his team when they visit Al Bataeh this Friday, as part of the 16th round of the ADNOC Pro League.

This came during the pre-match press conference held on Wednesday evening at the press conference hall of Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, attended by team defender Abdullah Al Karbi.

Petrović confirmed that his main objective since taking charge of the team at the beginning of the season has been to ensure Al Dhafra’s survival in the ADNOC Pro League, expressing his hope to achieve this goal without pressure. He urged the players to play real football that reflects their true capabilities, and to remain optimistic and confident in their ability to improve the team’s situation until the end of the season in May.

The Montenegrin coach also praised the club’s recent new signings, both foreign and local players, noting that they represent fresh blood for the squad and strengthen the team’s technical options in the upcoming phase.

For his part, Abdullah Al Karbi, the team defender stressed the importance of the match against Al Bataeh, pointing out that both teams are in direct competition in the league standings. He confirmed that the players are aiming for a positive result in the match, and expressed his hope that the team will receive strong support from its fans at the stadium.

Al Dhafra Sports & Cultural Club has announced the launch of Al Dhafra Ramadan Tournament 2026, which will be held from 1 to 20 Ramadan, featuring more than 40 diverse sports and community competitions targeting all age groups, including men and women.

The tournament is considered the largest of its kind in Al Dhafra region in terms of the number of competitions and events, volume of participation, and prize value.

Hamdan Saif Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Dhafra Sports Club, praised the unlimited support provided by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, to sports, athletes, and community events in the region. He affirmed that this continuous support has had a significant impact on developing the sports sector, strengthening community engagement, and enabling clubs to organize high-quality tournaments that contribute to talent discovery and the promotion of positive sporting values.

The tournament will take place across six main cities, and will include a wide range of individual and team competitions for adults, youth, and special events for senior citizens from the local community.

The competitions vary across multiple sports disciplines, including football, volleyball, badminton, padel, basketball, marathon running, swimming, jiu-jitsu, chess, weightlifting, cricket, as well as traditional heritage sports such as Baloot and popular folk games. In addition, a special marathon for senior citizens will be organized, alongside community competitions that promote healthy lifestyles, family interaction, and spiritual engagement during the holy month of Ramadan.

Events will be hosted in Madinat Zayed, Al Marfa, Ghiyathi, Al Sila’a, Al Dhannah, and Dalma, reflecting the club’s commitment to expanding community participation and reaching all areas of Al Dhafra, while providing a competitive sports environment that reinforces Ramadan values and strengthens sports presence across the region.

In addition to its diverse sports competitions, the Ramadan tournament will also feature a Qur’an memorization competition, organized in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, as part of the organizing committee’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive program that combines sport and spirituality during the holy month of Ramadan, in harmony with the values and message of the tournament.

Registration

The organizing committee announced that registration is now open via the club’s official website dfs.ae where interested participants can register and view the terms and conditions of each competition. The tournament includes over 40 sports competitions and community activities.

Al Dhafra Club confirmed that organizing the tournament stems from its social responsibility and mission to serve the community, promote healthy lifestyles, and embrace talents of all age groups. The club emphasized that the Al Dhafra Ramadan Tournament has become an important sports and community milestone that brings together the people of Al Dhafra in a positive competitive atmosphere, contributes to strengthening the values of sport, teamwork, and social connection, and plays a key role in talent discovery and community sports development.

Al Dhafra Club first football team will look to get back to winning form when they host Khorfakkan at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed on Friday at 5:25 PM, in an ADNOC Pro League encounter.

The hosts enter the match determined to bounce back and reconnect with their supporters after going three consecutive matches without a victory. Despite the recent results, Al Dhafra continue to enjoy strong backing from their fans, who regularly transform the stands of Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium into a formidable home advantage.

Preparation for the fixture has been intensive, with high morale across the squad and full participation in training sessions, including players returning from injury. Head coach Željko Petrović has focused on fine-tuning the team’s tactical approach and ensuring full readiness for the challenge, supported by close involvement from the club’s board and coordinated efforts by the supporters’ association, underlining the importance of this stage of the season.

Khorfakkan, however, arrive with clear survival ambitions and will not be easy opponents, as they push to move away from the relegation zone. Their motivation to secure points in the battle for safety sets the stage for a highly competitive and unpredictable contest.

Al Dhafra currently sit eighth in the standings with 16 points and could move to 19 points and seventh place on a provisional basis. Khorfakkan, meanwhile, are tenth with 15 points, seeking to distance themselves from the lower end of the table.

Montenegrin coach Željko Petrović, head coach of Al Dhafra’s first football team, stressed that his players must fight on the pitch if they want to remain among the clubs competing in the ADNOC Pro League.

Petrović made the remarks during the pre-match press conference for Al Dhafra’s fixture against Khorfakkan, part of Round 15 of the ADNOC Pro League, held on Wednesday evening ahead of Friday’s anticipated clash on February 6, at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Region, with kick-off scheduled for 5:25 PM.

The Al Dhafra coach highlighted the importance of the match, noting that his team will face a strong opponent whom Al Dhafra defeated 3–2 in the first-leg encounter. However, he pointed out that Khorfakkan have undergone changes at the technical level, which may have brought tactical adjustments to their style of play.

“We are now in a real battle,” Petrović said. “All teams have started winning matches and collecting points, and we are in urgent need of points as well. Since the match is on our home ground, we need soldiers on the pitch, not just players, because securing points at this stage of the season is extremely important.”

He continued: “Staying in the Pro League is our primary objective. If we want to remain in the league, we must collect points, and to do that, we have to fight. If the opponent fights at 100 percent, then we must fight at 130 percent.”

Petrović also emphasized that playing at home leaves no room for excuses, stating: “As long as we are playing in front of our fans, there are no excuses. We must start working seriously from now on to collect points.”

He concluded by calling on Al Dhafra supporters to attend and support the team, stressing that fan support is a crucial factor for the players. He added that he did not want to focus on injuries or player availability, emphasizing that what matters most is that every player who steps onto the pitch gives 100 percent performance, which, in his view, will ensure positive outcomes.

Al Dhafra Visit Ajman in Key ADNOC Pro League Clash

Al Dhafra’s first football team will travel to face Ajman at Rashid bin Saeed Stadium on Monday at 5:05 PM, in the final round of the first phase of the ADNOC Pro League.

The match carries significant importance for both sides as they aim to secure their positions in the middle of the league table and break the deadlock between them in the standings. Al Dhafra approach the fixture determined to consolidate their place in mid-table as the opening half of the season comes to a close.

Al Dhafra currently sit eighth with 15 points, while Ajman are tenth with 13 points, giving the contest the profile of a crucial “six-point match” with direct implications for league positioning.

Head coach Željko Petrović and his technical staff have focused their preparations on correcting the issues from the previous match against Al Ain, reinforcing positive elements, and addressing the attacking absences of Moroccan forward Karim El Berkaoui and Icelandic striker Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson.

Supporters of the “Al Dhafra Knight” are expected to travel and fill the stands, hoping for a positive result against a determined Ajman side on their home ground.

Petrović Calls for Maximum Focus Ahead of Ajman Clash

Montenegrin coach Željko Petrović, head coach of Al Dhafra Club, has stressed the importance of maintaining the highest levels of concentration in the upcoming clash against Ajman, scheduled for Monday, as part of Round 13 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Petrović made the remarks during the pre-match press conference held on Saturday evening at the media hall of Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in the presence of Al Dhafra player Marcelinho.

The Al Dhafra coach praised Ajman, noting that the team possesses quality players, particularly in the attacking line, which is characterized by speed and strong creative ability. He urged his players to maintain full focus and discipline throughout the match.

Petrović explained that he is approaching the match without pressure, commending his own team while emphasizing the importance of staying mentally engaged in the game—especially during the first 30 minutes—and avoiding minor mistakes that could prove costly.

He also reaffirmed his full respect for Ajman, stating that Al Dhafra’s objective is to secure victory while continuing to deliver attractive football that reflects the team’s growing development.

Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Marcelinho highlighted the importance of the match in Al Dhafra’s league campaign, anticipating a difficult encounter, particularly as the fixture will be played away from home. He expressed his hope that Al Dhafra supporters will attend the match to provide support and encouragement in what he described as an important fixture for the team.

Al Dhafra suffered a 2–1 home defeat to Al Ain on Thursday evening at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, in the closing match of Round 12 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Al Dhafra took the lead in the 16th minute through Souza, who converted a penalty after Mohammed Al Khlawi was fouled in the box. The hosts held their advantage into half-time following a disciplined defensive display.

Al Ain equalized in the 60th minute and continued to apply pressure before scoring the winning goal in the 81st minute. Despite late substitutions and efforts from Al Dhafra, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

The result leaves Al Dhafra eighth with 15 points, while Al Ain move top of the table on 30 points.

Al Dhafra’s first football team will look to strengthen their position in the middle of the ADNOC Pro League standings and return to positive results at home when they host Al Ain at 7:45 PM this Thursday, in a Round 12 fixture of the competition.

The match, to be played at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, sees Al Dhafra enter the contest with high morale following an exciting 3–2 victory over Khorfakkan in the previous round. The team is aiming to build on that win and secure a positive result against the league leaders.

Al Dhafra players are fully aware of the scale of the challenge, facing an Al Ain side that remains unbeaten this season and boasts the strongest attacking line in the ADNOC Pro League, underlining the difficulty of the task ahead.

Head coach Željko Petrović and his technical staff have focused this week on restoring the squad’s physical readiness and preparing the appropriate tactical plan for the encounter. The Montenegrin coach has emphasized reliance on the most physically prepared players, particularly in light of several key absences in the squad, highlighting the importance and intensity of the match.

Al Dhafra go into the fixture in eighth place with 15 points, while Al Ain top the table with 27 points as Round 12 gets underway.

Best of luck to Al Dhafra’s players in delivering a strong performance and achieving a positive result.

Al Dhafra claimed a dramatic and well-deserved 3–2 victory over hosts Khorfakkan in the match played on Friday evening at Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Stadium in Khorfakkan City, as part of Round 11 of the ADNOC Pro League.

Al Dhafra started the match strongly, imposing their style from the opening minutes in search of an early goal. Their organized wing attacks paid off in the 19th minute, when Khalil Ibrahim delivered a cross that was mistakenly deflected into the net by a Khorfakkan defender for an own goal.

After taking the lead, Al Dhafra dropped slightly to protect their advantage, allowing Khorfakkan to increase pressure and create several dangerous chances. However, Al Dhafra’s defense and goalkeeper stood firm before the hosts equalized in the 27th minute, sending the match into halftime level at 1–1.

At the start of the second half, Al Dhafra were forced into an early substitution due to injury, with Al-Sousi replaced by Rangel. Just one minute later, Al Dhafra struck again to score their second goal, giving the team a significant psychological boost that was reflected in their composed and organized performance.

Despite persistent attempts by Khorfakkan to get back into the game, Al Dhafra maintained their structure and discipline. Head coach made a second substitution in the 74th minute, introducing Rayan Yasslam in place of Khalil Ibrahim. Rayan made an immediate impact, scoring Al Dhafra’s third goal in the 80th minute with a spectacular overhead kick that electrified the stadium atmosphere.

Khorfakkan pulled one back in the 86th minute from a penalty kick, but the remaining minutes saw no further change in the scoreline, as the referee signaled the end of the match with Al Dhafra sealing a 3–2 victory.

With this win, Al Dhafra raised their tally to 15 points, moving up to seventh place, while Khorfakkan remain on 11 points in tenth position, pending the completion of Round 11 fixtures.

Congratulations to Al Dhafra, and best wishes for continued success in the upcoming rounds.