Match Report: Al Wahda 2-3 Al-Wasl SC – A Dramatic Comeback in the Adnoc Pro-League

In a pulsating encounter at the Al Nahyan Stadium on May 6, 2026, Al-Wasl SC mounted a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Al Wahda 3-2 in the United Arab Emirates Adnoc Pro-League. The match, which kicked off at 22:05 local time, saw the home side take a commanding lead before the visitors turned the tide with three unanswered goals, leaving the Al Wahda faithful in disbelief.

Match Overview

Al Wahda started brightly and looked destined for a comfortable victory after racing to a 2-0 lead in the first half. The home side’s attacking rhythm was sharp, and they capitalized on early defensive lapses from Al-Wasl. However, the Cheetahs of Al-Wasl demonstrated their resilience and quality, finding their stride after the interval to completely flip the script. The 3-2 scoreline reflects a contest that ebbed and flowed dramatically, showcasing the competitive depth of the Adnoc Pro-League.

First Half Dominance from Al Wahda

Al Wahda controlled the opening 45 minutes with purpose and intensity. Their high press unsettled the Al-Wasl backline, forcing errors in dangerous areas. The first goal arrived in the 22nd minute when a sweeping move down the left flank ended with a clinical finish past the Al-Wasl goalkeeper. Buoyed by the opener, Al Wahda doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark. A well-worked set-piece routine saw the center-back rise highest to nod home from a corner, giving the home side a deserved 2-0 cushion at the break.

Al-Wasl’s Second-Half Revival

The second half belonged entirely to Al-Wasl SC. Head coach Miloš Milojević made tactical adjustments that immediately paid dividends. Al-Wasl began to dominate possession and stretched Al Wahda’s defense with quick, incisive passing. The comeback began in the 55th minute when a long-range strike from Fabio De Lima beat the Al Wahda keeper at his near post, giving the visitors a lifeline.

The momentum shifted decisively when Al-Wasl equalized ten minutes later. A swift counter-attack caught Al Wahda out of shape, and striker Ali Saleh slotted home calmly to make it 2-2. With the crowd growing restless, Al-Wasl seized the moment. The winning goal came in the 78th minute as substitute Nicolas Giménez latched onto a through ball and finished emphatically, completing a remarkable turnaround.

Key Moments and Tactical Story

• 22' – Goal Al Wahda: Khalid Ibrahim opens the scoring with a composed finish.
• 28' – Goal Al Wahda: Defender Mohammed Al-Attas heads home from a corner to double the lead.
• 55' – Goal Al-Wasl: Fabio De Lima’s stunning long-range effort pulls one back.
• 65' – Goal Al-Wasl: Ali Saleh equalizes after a rapid counter-attack.
• 78' – Goal Al-Wasl: Nicolas Giménez scores the winner on the break.
• 88' – Red Card: Al Wahda’s Omar Abdulrahman is sent off for a second yellow card, compounding the defeat.

Tactically, the match was a tale of two halves. Al Wahda’s early intensity and set-piece efficiency gave them control, but their failure to kill the game off was costly. Al-Wasl’s ability to adjust formation, pressing higher and exploiting the flanks, dismantled the home side’s structure. The introduction of Giménez provided fresh legs and a direct threat that Al Wahda could not handle.

Standout Players

Fabio De Lima (Al-Wasl): The Brazilian midfielder was instrumental, scoring the crucial first away goal that sparked the comeback and dictating play from the center of the park.

Nicolas Giménez (Al-Wasl): The super-sub changed the game with his pace and finishing, scoring the winner within twelve minutes of his introduction.

Omar Abdulrahman (Al Wahda): While influential early on, his frustration grew as the match slipped away, culminating in a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Table and Season Impact

The result is a significant boost for Al-Wasl SC in the Adnoc Pro-League standings, as they continue their push for a top-four finish and potential qualification for the AFC Champions League. For Al Wahda, the defeat is a bitter blow, dropping valuable points and raising questions about their ability to close out matches. The loss could prove costly in the race for the title, with the gap to the leaders potentially widening.