Mohammed Marzooq's goal seals Arabian Gulf Super Cup win for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai

Substitue's header in fifth minute of injury time inflicts defeat on Sharjah

Shabab Al Ahli celebrate after beating Sharjah to win the Arabian Gulf Super Cup. Courtesy PLC

Mohammed Marzooq's goal in injury time settled a tense Arabian Gulf Super Cup match against Sharjah at Al Maktoum Stadium on Friday.

The game looked to be heading for a penalty shootout when substitute Marzooq sent home an inch-perfect header past Sharjah goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani.

“It was an important first trophy to win and we hope it will set a precedent for more titles to come Shabab Al Ahli’s way,” said Mahdi Ali, the former UAE manager who took charge of the Dubai side in December.

“It was a close game and could have gone either way. We created more scoring chances though and were fortunate to get the winner in the very last minute of the game. Actually we were the more deserving side on the night.”

Igor Jesus sent a shot from inside the area just wide for Shabab Al Ahli two minutes into the game.

The Dubai side continued to create chances. Federico Cartabia sent a free kick over the bar while Abdulaziz Sanqour forced Sharjah keeper Adel Al Hosani into a fine save. Carlos Eduardo missed another chance to break the deadlock before half time.

Shabab Al Ahli continued to dominate in the second half but could find no way past Al Hosani until Marzooq's last-gasp heroics.