Al Wasl had a slow start to the season as they shared a 3-3 draw with minnows Bani Yas in round one of the league. Bani Yas, who joined the top flight this season, had a quick lead in the game against the 2007 champions as they opened the scoring after only four minutes when Omani midfielder Fawzi Bashir sent a cross to Farid Ismail who scored to give his side an early lead.

However, Al Wasl levelled the scores three minutes later when Brazilian striker Alexander Oliveira sent the ball to Said Al Kas who fired a powerful shot past Bani Yas goalkeeper Ayoub Omar. Al Wasl took the lead when Oliveira was fouled inside the area and Panama striker Blas Perez successfully converted the spot-kick on 22 minutes.

Bani Yas equalised on 57 minutes through a powerful header from Senegalese striker Andre Senghor, but Issa Ali put Al Wasl ahead once again on 72 minutes.

Bani Yas should have levelled the scores three minutes before the end when Senghor was denied by the woodwork, but eventually equalised in the last minute through their Ivory Coast striker Modibo Diara.

Sharjah fall
Elsewhere, Emirates stunned five-time league champions Sharjah with a 3-2 victory. Sharjah fell behind after only 24 minutes when Emirates striker Adnan Hussain received a cross from Musallam Ahmed and guided it past Al Wasl goalkeeper Ahmed Mubarak.

Emirates doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Moroccan striker Hassan Tair sent a neat cross to Musallam Ahmed who sent the ball into the net from close range.

Sharjah pulled a goal back in the second half when Brazilian striker Marcelo Oliveira headed home a cross from Hamid Ahmed in the 54th minute. However, Emirates regained their advantage through Adnan Hussain on 77 minutes before Sharjah scored their second goal in the last minute through Salem Saif.

The first round will be concluded on 28 September when defending champions Al Ahli play against Al Wahda and Al Ain meet Al Nasr.