Al-Wasl SC edged past Khor Fakkan SSC 2-1 in the United Arab Emirates ADIB Cup, with a controlled second-half performance proving enough to take all three points from a tricky away trip. Goals from Fabio Lima and Haris Seferović put the Dubai club in command before a late Khor Fakkan penalty set up a tense finish.

Match Overview

Khor Fakkan have long been awkward hosts, and for twenty minutes they matched Al-Wasl blow for blow, pressing aggressively and forcing the visitors into early errors. But Al-Wasl's extra quality in the final third told, and once they found the opening goal the game settled into a pattern the away side were happy to control.

The final scoreline of 2-1 slightly flatters the home team, who enjoyed a strong closing spell but rarely threatened to level the match on merit before the spot-kick gave them a lifeline.

Key Moments

• 23' – 0-1: Fabio Lima struck first, curling a shot beyond the goalkeeper after cutting in from the left.
• 41' – Khor Fakkan's best chance of the half, headed over from a corner when the defence failed to clear.
• 61' – 0-2: Haris Seferović doubled the lead with a trademark finish inside the six-yard box after a low cross.
• 74' – 2-1: Nikola Vujnović converted a penalty for Khor Fakkan after a foul in the area.
• 88' – A late goalmouth scramble ended with Al-Wasl clearing off the line to preserve the win.

Tactical Story

Al-Wasl set up with a patient build-up, using Fabio Lima in a free role on the left where he could drift inside and overload the half-spaces. Khor Fakkan's midfield struggled to track those movements, and it was no coincidence that both goals originated from the visitor's left-hand side.

Defensively, Al-Wasl defended their box well for the majority of the night, dropping into a compact 4-4-2 when Khor Fakkan tried to build from the back. The one lapse came from a needless challenge that gave away the penalty and gave the home crowd something to shout about.

Khor Fakkan's manager responded by throwing on extra attacking options, switching to a more direct approach and targeting crosses into the box. It produced a nervous last fifteen minutes for Al-Wasl, but their game management in the closing stages — slowing play, winning free-kicks, clearing their lines — was professional.

Standout Players

Fabio Lima was the game's outstanding individual, combining the opening goal with constant creativity and intelligent link play. Haris Seferović showed why he remains such a reliable presence in the box, taking his chance with minimal fuss and holding the ball up effectively when Al-Wasl needed an outlet.

In midfield, Ali Saleh provided energy and directness on the right, repeatedly carrying his team up the pitch. For Khor Fakkan, Nikola Vujnović was the brightest spark, converting his penalty confidently and forcing a late save with a fierce volley.

Cup Context and What It Means

Victory keeps Al-Wasl in a strong position in the ADIB Cup group phase, and the manner of the performance — a controlled away display with goals from two of their most experienced attacking players — will please a coaching staff managing a demanding fixture calendar alongside UAE Pro League commitments.

Khor Fakkan can take encouragement from their resilience and their late pressure, but defeats like this one make progression from the group harder. With the head-to-head between these clubs now favouring Al-Wasl, the eastern coast side will need points from their remaining matches to keep their knockout hopes alive.