Mame Thiam scored a brace as Ajman came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Shabab Al Ahli at the Shabab Al Ahli Stadium in matchweek 15 of the Arabian Gulf League on Friday.
The hosts had more ball possession in the early stages of the game and they managed to translate it into goals after 18 minutes. Mauro Diaz sent a perfect low cross inside the box before Jaime Ayovi slotted past Ajman keeper Ali Al Hosani to give his side a 1-0 advantage.
The Oranges pushed forward to level the scoreline. Four minutes later, Adel Hermach’s effort was denied by Shabab Al Ahli keeper Majed Naser. Mame Thiam also tried his luck but his header was diverted into a corner by Naser.
As the guests were looking to score their first goal, the hosts managed to double their lead in the 37th minute. Luvannor Henrique De Souse made a good run on the left flank before passing to Emiliano Vecchio who struck the ball perfectly, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Ajman, however, were able to reduce the deficit only four minutes later through Mame Thiam. The Senegalese forward found the ball inside the box following Hassan Abdulrahman’s corner-kick and slotted home to make it 2-1 before the break.
As the time passed, Shabab Al Ahli looked to be heading closer to collecting the three points. However, the Oranges kept fighting and Thiam eventually netted his second of the night, with seven minutes to go. Stanley Nka dribbled past the hosts’ defenders before passing the ball to Thiam inside the box, who sent a first-time finish to make it 2-2.
Walid Abbas came close to netting a last-gasp winner for Shabab Al Ahli but his effort went wide as both sides shared the spoils.
In the dying moments of the game, Ajman keeper Al Hosani went off injured after his side had used all three substitutes, forcing Abdulla Malalla to stand between the sticks.
Following the draw, Shabab Al Ahli now sit fourth on 29 points, nine above seventh-placed Ajman.