Author: Altayeb Ali

Al Dhafra’s first football team suffered a heavy defeat against  Shabab Al Ahli, losing 5–0 in the match that brought the two sides together on Friday evening at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, as part of Matchweek 17 of the ADNOC Pro League.

The match began at a high tempo from both teams, but the early advantage went to Shabab Al Ahli, who imposed their style and posed a clear threat to Al Dhafra’s goal, translating their superiority into an opening goal in the 9th minute. Al Dhafra players tried to get back into the game, but Shabab Al Ahli’s organization and tactical discipline gave them the upper hand for most of the first half.

Midway through the half, Al Dhafra’s coach made a substitution, bringing on Yousif Al Marzouqi in place of Mohsen Al Ribja in an attempt to restore balance. However, the flow of play did not change significantly, and the visitors maintained their dominance, adding a second goal in first-half stoppage time to end the half with Al Dhafra trailing 2–0.

At the start of the second half, Al Dhafra sought to reduce the deficit and get back into the match, but their attempts lacked real danger in front of Shabab Al Ahli’s goal. In the 67th minute, the visitors extended their lead with a third goal, making Al Dhafra’s task even more difficult. Just minutes later, Shabab Al Ahli added the fourth and fifth goals in the 74th and 77th minutes, effectively ending Al Dhafra’s hopes of a comeback.

Despite further substitutions by Al Dhafra’s technical staff in the remaining minutes, the scoreline remained unchanged until the referee blew the final whistle, confirming a 5–0 victory for Shabab Al Ahli.

With this result, Al Dhafra remain on 17 points in 10th place, while Shabab Al Ahli move to 41 points at the top of the standings.

Al Dhafra’s first football team will host Shabab Al Ahli in a highly anticipated clash at 9:30 PM this Friday at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed, as part of Matchweek 17 of the UAE Pro League. The match will take place in a special Ramadan atmosphere, with strong crowd attendance expected.

Al Dhafra enter the fixture determined to secure a positive result that would strengthen their position in the standings and provide a significant morale boost as the competition reaches its decisive stages, where every point carries increased importance in the battle to improve rankings and distance themselves from the relegation zone.

The team concluded its preparations with a series of focused training sessions following their recent draw against Al Bataeh. Head coach Željko Petrović reviewed the team’s recent performances, addressed key technical aspects, intensified physical readiness, and implemented the tactical plan required to face one of the league’s strongest and most consistent sides this season.

On the other hand, Shabab Al Ahli approach the match aiming to continue their positive run, as they remain one of the leading contenders for the title. They are keen to avoid dropping any points in the race for the top spot, particularly amid fierce competition with league leaders Al Ain.

Al Dhafra currently sit tenth in the table with 17 points, while Shabab Al Ahli are second with 38 points, one match behind Al Ain.

Al Dhafra supporters look forward to a strong and spirited performance on this Ramadan evening, hoping for a positive result that reflects the team’s determination and ambition on the pitch.

Best wishes to Al Dhafra for delivering a performance worthy of the club’s history and the aspirations of its fans.

Al Dhafra head coach Zeljko Petrovic stressed that his side is preparing for a tough encounter against one of the best teams in the ADNOC Pro League, emphasizing the need for maximum focus and caution throughout the match.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Petrovic said the opponent possesses quality players and strong technical abilities, which requires Al Dhafra’s players to maintain tactical discipline and defensive organization, while making the most of their attacking opportunities.

He added that the team has worked in recent training sessions to address mistakes seen in previous matches, with particular emphasis on improving both the physical and mental readiness of the players.

Petrovic expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to deliver a strong performance and achieve a positive result.

 Al Dhafra coach concluded by highlighting the importance of fan support, noting that their presence and encouragement provide the players with extra motivation on the pitch.

Al Dhafra first football team will face Al Bataeh on Friday at 5:30 PM at Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium in Sharjah, in the opening fixture of Round 16 of the ADNOC Pro League, in a match of significant importance for both sides at this stage of the season.

Al Dhafra Club enter the contest determined to return to winning ways after four rounds without the desired results, collecting just one point during that period—an outcome that does not reflect the team’s true level nor the positive start they made at the beginning of the season.

The technical staff has focused during recent preparations on correcting mistakes and reinforcing the team’s strengths, with training sessions marked by high concentration and strong competitive spirit from the players, who fully recognize the importance of this phase and the need to regain positive momentum.

The encounter against Al Bataeh represents a pivotal moment for Al Dhafra, as securing all three points would provide a major morale boost and help improve the team’s position in the standings, moving further away from the lower end of the table amid the tight points race.

Al Dhafra currently sit in tenth place with 16 points, while Al Bataeh Club are thirteenth with 12 points, highlighting the competitive balance and underlining the challenge that awaits both teams.

The club looks forward to the continued support of its loyal fans, whose backing remains a vital source of motivation, as the team aims to deliver a strong performance and achieve a positive result worthy of the club’s ambitions

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.