Al-Dibaa spoiled Al-Wahda's celebration by snatching a valuable 1-1 draw in stoppage time during the eighth round of the ADNOC Pro League on Friday. Al-Wahda increased its points total to 18, leading the standings with a remarkable record of 8 consecutive matches without a loss, while Al-Dibaa's points rose to 3, placing them twelfth. Al-Wahda took the lead with a goal scored by Syrian professional Omar Kharbin in the 74th minute. His shot from inside the penalty area deflected off Al-Dibaa's Brazilian defender Santos and changed direction, heading into the net. However, in the 90+9th minute, the referee awarded Al-Dibaa a correct penalty after a foul on their Brazilian player Cabral, a decision confirmed by video assistant technology (VAR). Iraqi player Muhannad Ali converted the penalty to equalize, much to the frustration of Al-Wahda's players. Al-Dibaa entered the match with a strict defensive approach (5-4-1), which made it very difficult for Al-Wahda to break through their lines. Al-Wahda dominated possession but lacked effectiveness, firing 33 shots, most of which were either saved by the brilliant goalkeeper Mohammad Salem Al-Ruwailahi or went over the crossbar. Al-Dibaa, on the other hand, held onto its defensive organization as a suitable strategy to repel the 'Anabi' attacks. In the 12th minute, Al-Dibaa had a clear chance following a mistake by Al-Wahda's Nigerian defender Favour Ogbo, with the ball reaching compatriot Benedict, who shot wide of the goal. Al-Wahda scored a goal in the 31st minute through Facundo, but video technology disallowed it for a handball before the shot. Al-Wahda player Alaa Al-Din Zahir stood out as one of his team's best players in the first half thanks to his activity in creating attacks and his clear defensive role. Despite Al-Wahda's lead through Kharbin, Al-Dibaa showed a fighting spirit and managed to equalize in the final moments, denying Al-Wahda a win and securing a valuable point that could play a significant role in their struggle to improve their position in the league table.
