UAE centre-back Mohammed Marzooq produced an early header at Dibba Al Fujairah to hand new coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena a 1-0 win upon his Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club debut.
The ex-Al Wasl supremo was drafted in during the international break after a decision was made to terminate Chilean Jose Luis Sierra’s disappointing tenure at the three-month mark.
This decision gained instant reward on the east coast when Argentine playmaker Mauro Diaz’s expert delivery was nodded home by Marzooq on just four minutes.
Meanwhile, ex-Spain striker Alvaro Negredo was among the goals as Al Nasr’s renaissance continued with a 3-1 Bur Dubai derby win at Al Wasl.
UAE centre-back Khalifa Mubarak headed the visitors to Zabeel Stadium in front, only for opposing defender Abdulrahman Ali to soon level things up with a tap-in. The second half belonged to the Blue Wave, for whom forward Mohamad Al Akbari’s header and Negredo’s rebound secured a famous triumph.
In the battle of the promoted sides, Fujairah came from two-goals down to defeat Ittihad Kalba 3-2.
Algerian striker Mohammed Benyettou got the winner from close range with seven minutes left.
A thrilling 3-3 draw was played out between Bani Yas and Emirate Club.
