MADINAT ZAID, United Arab Emirates (Interstat) — Oualid Azaro’s second-half goal lifted Ajman to a 1-0 victory over Al Dhafra SCC on Friday at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in the Arabian Gulf League season opener.

Azaro, a substitute, scored in the 87th minute off an assist from substitute Mohammad Nasser. Substitute Salem Mobarak and midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh also recorded assists in the buildup.

Ajman improved to 1-0 in league play and across all competitions. Al Dhafra fell to 0-1 in both.

The match featured four yellow cards. Nasser was cautioned in the 31st minute, Mobarak in the 73rd and Bayesh in second-half stoppage time. Two red cards were issued: Anas Mtitache was sent off in the 76th minute and Jobson followed in the 84th minute.