Two high-scoring matches shaped matchday three of the UAE League Cup (also known by its sponsorship name, the ADIB Cup) on Thursday, with Al Nasr staging a dramatic comeback and Al Wasl extending their unbeaten run at the top of the standings.
At Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, Al Nasr found themselves behind after just half an hour when Hatta's Bernard Faye converted a penalty. The hosts responded quickly, with forward Kevin Ardila levelling and then putting Al Nasr ahead with goals in the 32nd and 64th minutes. An own goal in the 66th minute and a late strike from Ramon Mezes in the 83rd minute completed a 4-1 victory that lifted Al Nasr into second place in the standings.
Across the country at Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Stadium, Al Wasl needed a second-half rally of their own to see off Khorfakkan. The visitors took the lead through Rellano Sanchi in the 57th minute, but Al Wasl hit back with goals from Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi in the 78th minute and Soufiane Bouftini in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win.
The results mean Al Wasl now lead the League Cup table with nine points from three matches, ahead of Al Nasr on seven. Hatta sit third with a single point, while Khorfakkan remain without a point after three rounds.
The League Cup is played by UAE Pro League clubs in the weeks before the main league season gets under way, giving coaches a chance to test squad depth and assess new signings. Taremi's continued scoring form for Al Wasl has been one of the storylines of the competition so far.