Mohamed Juma Al Mansouri put Shabab Al Ahli ahead in the seventh minute at Rashid Stadium. The hosts beat United 2-1 in Dubai on October 8, in the third round of the ADIB Cup. After two previous draws, the win lifted Shabab Al Ahli to five points; United remain on three. Before the match, the UAE Pro League noted that Shabab Al Ahli were still seeking their first win in the competition.
After three matches, Shabab Al Ahli stood fifth in the group with five points, while United FC were ninth with three.
Two goals set the pace
Al Mansouri headed Marcelo's cross into the net. After the break, United pressed for an equaliser, but Bruno Cascardo Lemos doubled Shabab Al Ahli's lead in the 68th minute, breaking through one-on-one with goalkeeper Inayat Noor.
Before the win over United, Shabab Al Ahli had drawn 1-1 with United in the UAE league on September 10 and 1-1 with Al Nasr in the ADIB Cup on October 2. The UAE Pro League reported that Mateus Lima secured the point against Al Nasr with a header in the 90+5th minute.
Possession did not create enough chances
United recorded 51.6% possession and completed 378 passes. Shabab Al Ahli had 48.4% possession and completed 353 passes. Andrea Pirlo's side took more shots overall, 11 to 10, but the hosts led shots on target, 5-3. The teams were level on corners and crosses.
Before half-time, Nanaa sent a header just wide and another United effort struck the crossbar. A Sharjah podium at the Shanghai Grand Prix also shifted motorsport standings across UAE sport.
After the match, Pirlo said his players had created several chances but made the wrong decisions in front of goal. He said United could have earned a better result by making more of their opportunities. Mouhoub's late finish, he said, showed the execution United needed earlier.
