Barely a week after their historic President’s Cup triumph, Al Wasl secured the 2023-2024 UAE Pro League title with a commanding 3-0 victory over city rivals Shabab Al Ahli in Dubai on Sunday.
The win showcased Al Wasl’s dominance in UAE football this season and ended their 17-year wait for a national league title.
Heading into the match, Al Wasl knew that a win would seal the league title with two games to spare.
They entered the game with 61 points, a comfortable nine-point lead over second-placed Shabab Al Ahli, who stood at 52 points.
The high stakes and the pressure of a derby match made for a tense first half, with both teams displaying a strong defensive performance.
Shabab Al Ahli frustrated Al Wasl with their resolute defense, managing to keep the first half goalless. The tension in the stands was palpable as fans waited for the breakthrough.
However, the second half saw a rejuvenated Al Wasl side come out with renewed vigor and determination. The deadlock was broken in the 49th minute by Haris Seferovic, whose clinical finish set the tone for the rest of the match.
This goal ignited Al Wasl’s attacking prowess, and just nine minutes later, Fabio Lima doubled their lead with a well-placed shot that left Shabab Al Ahli’s goalkeeper with no chance. The stadium erupted in celebration, sensing that the title was within grasp.
As the match progressed, Al Wasl continued to dominate possession and create chances. Shabab Al Ahli struggled to mount a comeback, their efforts thwarted by Al Wasl’s solid defense and effective midfield control. The icing on the cake came in the 97th minute when Adama Alain Diallo scored the third goal, sealing the victory and the title in emphatic fashion.
With this win, Al Wasl not only clinched their eighth league title but also achieved a remarkable double, having won the President’s Cup just a week earlier with an impressive 4-0 win over Al Nasr at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.
This double triumph underscores Al Wasl’s resurgence in UAE football, marking them as a formidable force in both domestic and cup competitions.
Al Wasl’s eighth league title places them as the joint-second most successful club in UAE Pro League history, alongside Shabab Al Ahli.
The most successful club remains Al Ain, who recently won the Asian Champions League and have a record 14 league titles to their name.
The success of Al Wasl this season can be attributed to the strategic vision of their management, the tactical acumen of their coaching staff, and the consistent performances of their players.
Haris Seferovic, Fabio Lima, and Adama Alain Diallo have been standout performers, delivering crucial goals when needed the most.
The fans of Al Wasl have endured a long wait for this moment, and the celebrations are likely to continue for some time.
The club’s achievements this season have not only brought silverware but also rekindled the pride and passion of their supporters.
As Al Wasl looks ahead to the remaining two games of the season, they can do so with the satisfaction of having already achieved their primary objectives.
The focus will now shift to maintaining their momentum and preparing for future challenges, both domestically and in potential continental competitions.
This historic season will be remembered as a testament to Al Wasl’s resilience, skill, and unwavering pursuit of excellence in UAE football.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members