DUBAI: A lull in play for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup provides an opportune moment to assess a burgeoning 2024-25 ADNOC Pro League.
Superstar signings, such as Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club’s Sardar Azmoun, and surprise packages — leaders Sharjah were nowhere close to being pre-season title favorites — have lit up the opening 10 rounds.
We have also seen holders Al-Wasl afflicted by the usual champions’ curse, while there has been mixed fortunes for promoted Al-Orooba and Dibba Al-Hisn.
Before an upwardly mobile UAE under Paulo Bento begin their regional campaign in Kuwait this weekend, here is a chance to reflect on domestic matters.
King out to reclaim the crown
We should have known not to discount serial trophy hoarder Cosmin Olaroiu.
A dismal 2023-24, following an unprecedented quartet of silverware the campaign prior, featured a distant fourth-placed finish for fractious Sharjah and no realistic shots at further success.
This time, the team known as The King is living up to its ostentatious moniker. Rejuvenated attackers Firas Ben Larbi and Caio — with a remarkable 11 goal contributions in 10 run-outs — have helped produce a defiant 27-point tally from the opening 30 available, with strength of character being shown by a perfect response to Oct. 27’s 2-1 defeat at a raucous Rashid Stadium for the summit clash with Paulo Sousa’s Shabab Al-Ahli.
Olaroiu has lifted 19 trophies during 17 stellar years across Asian football. Criticism weathered last term has, seemingly, increased focus at an unfancied club whose unpretentious pre-season business was highlighted by Brazil Under-23 prospect Guilherme Biro, unheralded ex-Croatia youth midfielder Darko Nejasmic and Dutch journeyman forward Tyrone Conraad filling the void left by an underwhelming Moussa Marega.
Star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli lead chasing pack
There was no lack of glamour, however, in second-placed Shabab Al-Ahli’s preparations.
Manager Sousa was one of the 1990’s most-celebrated midfielders. Powerhouse Iran centre forward Azmoun arrived on the back of Bundesliga glory at Bayer Leverkusen and has staked a strong claim to be last summer’s standout addition.
Resident stars already included UAE flyers Yahya Al-Ghassani and Harib Abdalla, plus ex-Crystal Palace stalwart midfielder Luka Milivojevic. A perfect return of 18 points from the opening six games hinted at a title procession, but things are kept interesting by recent draws with seventh-placed dark-horses Kalba and mid-table Khor Fakkan.
Joy in an epic Emaar Super Cup against sorry Wasl, and salt thrown on the same opponents’ wounds four-days later in one-sided 3-0 top-flight triumph, shows the pedigree of a team who can narrow the lead to an uncomfortable one point with victory in their game in hand.
Elsewhere, sleeping giants Al-Nasr have built on significant 2023/24 momentum gained under Alfred Schreuder to sit third on 19 points. Evergreen veterans Adel Taarabt and Ali Mabkhout — dramatically recruited to positive effect from boyhood club Al-Jazira — head their charge.
Anything could happen at fourth-placed Al-Wahda after this week’s stunning call to dispense with ex-Celtic, New York City FC and Club Brugge manager Ronny Deila. Neighbors Jazira in sixth will hope to see more from France playmaker Nabil Fekir, if he can get clear of injury worries.
Fifth-placed Al-Ain, meanwhile, are enduring an abject defence of their AFC Champions League crown, yet could go on a top-flight charge now Shabab Al-Ahli’s 2022/23 title-winning tactician Leonardo Jardim is at the helm and one of UAE football’s leading hitmen is roaring back to his best.
Never count out Kodjo
Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba was an afterthought when Al-Ain stunned the continent.
With manager Hernan Crespo gone by October, he is now experiencing one of the great league campaigns. The Togo center forward’s pacesetting 14 strikes are coming at a breakneck average of one every 43.7 minutes.
This imposing tally has included smashing through the 100-goal ADNOC Pro League barrier with an opening round hat-trick versus Khor Fakkan, while also usurping Ghana megastar Asamoah Gyan.
Such merciless excellence has thrust him into a bracket of his own this season. This is despite the bravura campaigns being undertaken by electric Iran attacker Mehdi Ghayedi at Kalba, Sharjah’s impactful Caio and a refreshed Mabkhout hitting the heights once more expected of the UAE, and its top flight’s, record scorer.
Tough at the top for Wasl
It has been a campaign of contrast for defending double-winners Al-Wasl.
Serene progress to AFC Champions League Elite’s knockout stages contrasted with a penalty shootout defeat in a Super Cup temporarily lit up by midfielder Nicolas Gimenez’s back-heel volleyed Puskas Award contender. Plus, finding themselves in the mid-table mire from eighth along with the likes of Ajman, Khor Fakkan and Baniyas.
Dejected manager Milos Milojevic virtually ceded the title after this week’s defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli. This is no shock after the runaway champions degenerated into a frustrated side with only three league wins, plus a draining five draws from six run-outs in all competitions from Oct. 26-Dec. 2.
The wait for the UAE’s next back-to-back league winner will stretch past a 12th year.
Can Dibba Al-Hisn end promoted pain?
It was a foregone conclusion throughout the entirety of last term that promoted Emirates Club and Hatta would be relegated.
Orooba have gone from First Division League winners, to bottom spot. But, there are signs of fight this time from Dibba Al-Hisn.
Hulking four-goal Tunisia striker Haithem Jouini, experienced compatriot Oussama Haddadi and three-goal Midana Cassama have shown fight.
They prepare for January’s restart outside the drop zone, albeit only by one point and one place. Several near misses since October’s hire of head coach Hassan Al-Abdooli have cost them greater security.
