Broadcasting News Corporation : Superstar summer additions Miralem Pjanic and Andriy Yarmolenko opened their ADNOC Pro League accounts, while four-goal Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba reinforced his elite striking credentials in an electric Matchweek 2. All eyes were on runners-up Sharjah and their aforementioned fresh recruit from Barcelona, who did not disappoint in a 3-0 win over Baniyas. Laba and Yarmolenko proved pivotal in the division’s widest victory margin since March 2018, meanwhile, helping champions Al Ain dismantle 10-man Al Dhafra 7-0. Ali Mabkhout notched a 15th top-fight hat-trick — and missed a penalty — in Al Jazira’s eventful 4-2 victory at Khor Fakkan. Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club’s youngsters helped them fight back to prevail 2-1 at Dibba Al Fujairah, and Leandro Spadacio’s sharp finish saw dark horses Al-Ittihad Kalba stun Carlos Carvalhal’s Al Wahda 1-0.
Gilberto converted either side of the interval in Al Wasl’s 2-1 win at promoted Al Bataeh, and former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink opened his Al Nasr account with a 2-0 victory against Ajman. NEWS COLLECTED FROM ARAB NEWS.