Khor Fakkan SSC edged Al Dhafra FC 3-2 in a thrilling United Arab Emirates President Cup tie on 24 October 2026, with the home side surviving a spirited comeback to secure their place in the next round.

Five-Goal Thriller Ends in Home Joy

The match was open from the start, with both teams showing attacking intent and little interest in playing cautiously. Khor Fakkan SSC made the early running and built a lead through sharp movement in the final third, but Al Dhafra FC refused to go away. The visitors responded with goals of their own, turning the contest into a back-and-forth battle that kept the outcome uncertain until the closing stages.

With the score at 2-2, the tie seemed destined for a tense finish. Khor Fakkan found the decisive goal late on, capitalising on a moment of space in the Al Dhafra defence and finishing with composure. The home side then managed the final minutes well, limiting clear chances and seeing out a narrow but deserved victory.

Key Moments

Khor Fakkan’s attacking spells produced the game’s most dangerous moments, but Al Dhafra’s equalising responses kept the tie alive. The winning goal arrived when the match was at its most stretched, with both teams committed forward. A late Al Dhafra push for a third equaliser came up short as Khor Fakkan defended their box with urgency.

Tactical Story

Both sides prioritised forward momentum, which created space in midfield and led to a high number of transitions. Khor Fakkan looked most dangerous when attacking the channels and getting runners beyond the Al Dhafra back line. Al Dhafra, meanwhile, caused problems with direct play and set pieces. In the end, Khor Fakkan’s extra quality in the final third proved decisive in a cup tie that could easily have gone either way.

What It Means

The result sends Khor Fakkan SSC through in the UAE President Cup and gives them a confidence boost for the fixtures ahead. Al Dhafra FC will be disappointed to exit after scoring twice away from home, but their attacking display showed plenty of character. For Khor Fakkan, the challenge now is to carry the same energy into the next round.