Al-Wasl Power Past Ittihad Kalba 4-0 in ADIB Cup

Al-Wasl SC delivered a statement performance in the United Arab Emirates ADIB Cup on 2 October 2026, dismantling Ittihad Kalba FC 4-0 at Zabeel Stadium. The home side scored early, controlled the midfield and never allowed their opponents a route back into the contest, with a dominant display that underlined their attacking quality.

The match kicked off at 21:15 and quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Al-Wasl’s high pressing and crisp passing overwhelmed Ittihad Kalba from the opening minutes, and by the time the final whistle blew, the scoreline reflected the home team’s complete superiority.

Match Overview

• Competition: United Arab Emirates ADIB Cup
• Fixture: Al-Wasl SC vs Ittihad Kalba FC
• Date and kick-off: 2 October 2026, 21:15
• Final score: Al-Wasl SC 4-0 Ittihad Kalba FC
• Venue: Zabeel Stadium, Dubai

Al-Wasl came into the game with clear intent. The hosts pressed high, won the ball back quickly in dangerous areas and attacked with width and pace. Ittihad Kalba struggled to keep possession for sustained periods, and their defensive line was repeatedly pulled out of shape by Al-Wasl’s movement in the final third.

The opening goal settled any early nerves and set the tone for the rest of the evening. From that point on, Al-Wasl played with freedom and confidence, while Ittihad Kalba were left chasing shadows for long stretches.

Key Moments

Al-Wasl took the lead in the 9th minute through Fabio Lima, who finished a well-worked move with a precise strike into the bottom corner. It was the perfect start for the home side and immediately forced Ittihad Kalba to come out of their defensive shell.

The lead was doubled in the 27th minute when Haris Seferovic capitalised on a defensive error, calmly rounding the goalkeeper and passing the ball into the empty net. Ittihad Kalba’s defenders appealed for offside, but the goal stood, and Al-Wasl’s control of the match grew stronger.

Fabio Lima added his second and Al-Wasl’s third in the 54th minute, curling a brilliant effort beyond the reach of the goalkeeper from the edge of the box. It was a goal of real quality and effectively ended any lingering hopes of an Ittihad Kalba comeback.

The scoring was completed in the 78th minute by Ali Saleh, who tapped in from close range after another flowing Al-Wasl attack. By then, the home side were playing with complete authority, and the final score of 4-0 was no more than they deserved.

Tactical Story

Al-Wasl’s tactical approach was built on aggressive pressing and quick ball circulation. Their midfield won the battle for second balls, and their wide players consistently stretched Ittihad Kalba’s back four. The result was a steady stream of chances, with the front three rotating positions to create confusion among the defenders.

Ittihad Kalba attempted to sit deep and counter-attack, but they struggled to retain possession long enough to relieve pressure. When they did win the ball, Al-Wasl’s counter-press was immediate and effective, forcing errors and allowing the home side to sustain attacks in the final third.

Defensively, Al-Wasl were rarely troubled. Their centre-backs dealt comfortably with long balls, and the goalkeeper was largely a spectator for much of the second half. The clean sheet was a fitting reward for a disciplined and focused team performance.

Standout Players

Fabio Lima was the creative engine for Al-Wasl, scoring twice and constantly threatening with his dribbling and link-up play. His movement between the lines made him almost impossible for Ittihad Kalba to mark, and his second goal was the highlight of the night.

Haris Seferovic led the line with intelligence, holding up the ball, bringing others into play and scoring a well-taken goal. Ali Saleh added energy and directness on the wing, capping his performance with the fourth goal.

Al-Wasl’s midfield also deserves praise for controlling the tempo of the match. They won tackles, recycled possession and kept the team on the front foot throughout. Ittihad Kalba’s goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score from becoming even more one-sided, but he received little protection from his defence.

What the Result Means

The 4-0 victory sends a clear message about Al-Wasl’s ambitions in the United Arab Emirates ADIB Cup. It was a performance full of attacking flair, tactical discipline and clinical finishing — exactly the combination needed to go deep in a cup competition.

For Ittihad Kalba, the defeat is a difficult night that exposes problems at both ends of the pitch. They will need to regroup