Emirates Cup Shockers: Al Ain, Dibba Fujairah, and Jazira Brace for Quarterfinal Glory

Al Ain cruise past Al Hamriyah to book Emirates Cup quarterfinals

Al Ain, leading the ADNOC Pro League, sealed a smooth passage to the quarterfinals by routing Al Hamriyah 7-0 at Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium. The scoring blitz began early when Sufian Rahimi converted a penalty after a clash with his brother Hussein Rahimi, giving the leaders the initiative. A second goal arrived from a fine team move finished by Rafa Rodriguez, with a 13th-minute goal sealing a dominant first half. By the end of the half, Nassim Shadhli’s shot from outside the box deflected off a defender for a third, and Amadou Niang added a fourth in the 68th minute, before Laba Kodjo joined the scoreline with a fifth and then completed the scoring spree with a thunderous finish in the 80th. The late goal from Nassim Shadhli completed a memorable 7-0 victory and a guaranteed spot in the next round.

Ali Kashef then ensured a memorable night for the supporters by closing the scoring and leaving the Hamriyah defense breathless. The win reinforced Al Ain’s status as favorites and put them directly into the quarterfinals of the Emirates Cup, a competition that keeps fans on the edge of their seats with every long-range shot and every neat one-two in the final third.

Dibba Fujairah stun Al Wasl on penalties after gripping 2-2 draw

In a match that had everything but a predictable ending, Dibba Fujairah drew 2-2 with Al Wasl and then triumphed 6-5 on penalties to reach the quarterfinals. The tie swung between teams across the two halves, featuring a late surge from Wasl and a stubborn Dibba defensive showing that forced extra time. The hosts took the lead via an impressive break that exposed gaps in the Wasl backline, only for Wasl to level through a scorcher from Bryan Palacios. The second half saw red cards and added spice, with a man sent off for Dibba reducing them to ten late on, before a dramatic extra period forced a shootout in which Dibba held their nerve. The decisive save in the shootout and the subsequent successful spot-kick conversion sealed a dramatic progression for the underdogs.

Abdullah Al-Mukhaini’s dismissal early in the second half did little to derail Dibba’s resolve, and a series of disciplined penalties saw them edge the star-studded Wasl lineup. The victory underscored Dibba’s growing confidence and set up a tantalizing quarterfinal clash that local fans will not want to miss.

Al Jazira edge Ajman to advance, brace for the next round

Al Jazira battled to a 2-1 victory over Ajman, showcasing a blend of patience and sharp finishing that underscored why they remain among the cup’s dark horses. The home side used a mix of quick counter-attacks and measured building plays to pierce Ajman’s defense, with the scoring finish arriving in the second half after a period of momentum swings that kept the tension high for the entire ninety minutes. This result, paired with the other ties, confirms Al Jazira’s place in the quarterfinals and sets up a high-stakes matchup in the next round.

Following a tightly contested evening of football, the Emirates Cup draw produced a compelling set of matchups on neutral venues scheduled for late January and early February 2026: Shabab Al Ahli vs Khor Fakkan, Dibba Fujairah vs Al Ain, Bani Yas vs Al Jazira, and Al Wasl vs Al Wahda. The bracket promises drama, goals, and the kind of nerve-racking shootouts that fans crave after a long season.

Al Ain vs Hamriyah

The leaders’ vardict was clear from the opening whistle as they controlled the tempo and kept the ball high up the pitch, pinning the Hamriyah defense back with relentless pressure and clinical finishing.

Penalty drama and a relentless marauding attack sealed a historic night at Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium, with the host team storming into the quarterfinals with ease and style.

Dibba Fujairah vs Al Wasl

The clash delivered high drama, with quicker transitions, a late Wasl push, and a dramatic penalty shootout that showcased nerves of steel from Dibba’s shooters and a heroic save that sealed their fate.

Al Jazira vs Ajman

Al Jazira’s methodical approach paid off in a hard-fought win, delivering a timely reminder that knockout football rewards composure and clinical finishing, even against determined opponents. The result books a date with a familiar foe in the next round and keeps the Emirates Cup fever running hot.

Punchline 1: I’ve seen more precise shots in a coffee machine’s drip tray—and today the goals poured like an espresso shot, straight to the net. Punchline 2: If accuracy were a weapon, today’s strikers would be on a sniper’s payroll, and the scoreboard would be their target practice.