In a night of drama, flair, and remarkable footballing brilliance, Ittihad Kalba edged past Ajman in a thrilling 3-2 contest during Matchweek 24 of the ADNOC Pro League. Hosted at the Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, the five-goal encounter delivered everything a football fan could ask for—early fireworks, a late comeback attempt, and moments of individual brilliance. Kalba, propelled by a brace from Iranian sensation Mehdi Ghayedi, walked away with all three points, while Ajman was left to rue what might have been in front of a passionate home crowd.
Explosive Start: Kalba Seizes Early Control
From the opening whistle, Kalba signaled their attacking intent. The team looked sharp, cohesive, and hungry to grab control of the game early. It took just three minutes for Mehdi Ghayedi to make his mark. Displaying the kind of poise and technical mastery that has made him one of the standout performers in the league, Ghayedi danced past defenders, glided into the box, and curled a brilliant strike into the net to give Kalba an early 1-0 advantage.
This goal rattled Ajman, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages. Kalba capitalized further on their momentum. In the 17th minute, Salim Rashid added a second goal following an incisive move started again by Ghayedi. The Iranian cut through the Ajman midfield with a line-breaking pass that split the defense wide open, allowing Rashid to finish with aplomb.
Kalba’s relentless pressure kept Ajman pinned back in their half. And just when it seemed the hosts might survive until halftime with a manageable two-goal deficit, Ghayedi struck again. In the 42nd minute, he intercepted a wayward pass in midfield, sprinted towards goal, and unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that left Ajman’s goalkeeper with no chance. With that, Kalba entered the halftime break leading 3-0, sending a message of intent to their league rivals.
Ajman’s Second-Half Revival
If the first half belonged to Kalba, the second was a testament to Ajman’s resilience. Whatever was said in the dressing room at halftime clearly had an impact. Ajman came out fighting, their tempo elevated, and their press more coordinated. Their breakthrough came just before the hour mark, when Serbian defender Milos Kosanovic stepped up to convert a penalty in the 59th minute, earned after a clumsy foul in the box.
The goal reignited the crowd, and more importantly, gave Ajman belief. Just eight minutes later, Ajman were awarded another penalty following a VAR review of a handball incident. Once again, Kosanovic showed nerves of steel, converting confidently to make it 3-2.
Suddenly, the game was wide open. Kalba, once cruising, now found themselves under immense pressure. Ajman threw bodies forward, testing Kalba’s backline with crosses, through balls, and set pieces. Despite their best efforts and some close calls—including a header that grazed the post in stoppage time—Ajman couldn’t find the elusive equalizer.
Mehdi Ghayedi: Man of the Moment
While the result was a team effort, it was Ghayedi’s performance that stole the show. The 25-year-old Iranian winger was electric throughout the match, tormenting defenders with his pace, dribbling, and vision. His brace took his season tally to double digits and further cemented his reputation as one of the most dynamic attacking talents in the league.
In post-match interviews, Kalba’s head coach praised Ghayedi’s work ethic and ability to change games single-handedly. “Mehdi brings energy and intelligence on the ball. He is always looking to make something happen. That’s what separates great players from good ones,” he said.
Ghayedi’s rise in UAE football has been meteoric, and with performances like this, he is sure to attract attention beyond the Gulf region.
Tactical Analysis
Kalba’s tactical setup in the first half was perfect. Their 4-2-3-1 formation allowed Ghayedi the freedom to roam and exploit Ajman’s high line. Quick transitions and compact midfield pressing helped them dominate possession and territory.
Ajman, by contrast, looked disjointed in the opening 45 minutes. They left too many gaps between midfield and defense, which Kalba repeatedly exploited. However, their adjustments in the second half—including the introduction of an additional central midfielder and a shift to a more aggressive 4-3-3—helped them regain control and initiate a fierce comeback.
Kosanovic’s coolness under pressure from the spot and Ajman’s set-piece proficiency remain strong positives for them, despite the loss.
Impact on the League Table
With this victory, Kalba climbed to 9th place in the ADNOC Pro League standings with 31 points. The win puts them in a stronger position to push for a top-half finish as the season nears its conclusion. Their recent form, particularly their attacking prowess, bodes well for upcoming fixtures.
Ajman, on the other hand, remains in 10th place with 27 points. Though safe from relegation threats, they will be disappointed to have dropped points at home, especially after a promising second-half resurgence. Their remaining matches now take on greater importance as they seek to end the season on a positive note.
Fan Reactions and Stadium Atmosphere
The Rashid bin Saeed Stadium was buzzing throughout the match. Kalba fans made the trip in large numbers, celebrating each goal with passion. Ajman supporters, despite the early setbacks, never stopped chanting, and their energy clearly lifted the team in the second half.
Social media was alight with praise for Ghayedi, with fans from across the region sharing clips of his goals and dribbles. Many described the match as one of the best of the season, lauding both sides for their attacking intent and commitment to entertaining football.
Looking Ahead
Kalba will be hoping to build on this performance when they face their next opponents, aiming to finish the season on a high and perhaps secure a spot in next year’s continental competitions. The form of players like Ghayedi and Rashid could be key to those ambitions.
For Ajman, the challenge is to tighten their defense and convert strong performances into points. With the season winding down, every match is an opportunity to fine-tune their squad and strategy ahead of the next campaign.
Conclusion
Kalba’s 3-2 triumph over Ajman was more than just a football match—it was a rollercoaster of emotions, skill, and strategy. It highlighted the competitiveness of the ADNOC Pro League and the kind of performances that keep fans coming back week after week.
While Kalba will celebrate the three points and a star turn by Ghayedi, Ajman can take heart from their spirited fightback. As the dust settles on this unforgettable encounter, both teams look ahead to the future with valuable lessons and renewed ambition. Football, after all, is as much about the journey as it is about the result—and on this occasion, the journey was nothing short of spectacular.
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