Sharjah FC vs Abha

Julimar's second-half opener was the decisive moment. The 0-0 deadlock had frustrated Sharjah in their first camp friendly against Serbian side Bačka Topola (a 2-1 loss on 15 July), and the early second-half breakthrough settled the match. Camara's goal soon after effectively killed the contest before Abha's consolation.

• Julimar — The new Brazilian arrival scored his first goal for the club since joining from Athletico-PR. Signed as a resident (non-foreign) player, he is one of several recruits brought in by coach José Morais this summer.
• Ousmane Camara — The Guinean winger continued his sharp pre-season form with a goal, having been a regular contributor for Sharjah in the 2025/26 season.
• Abha's scorer — The identity of Abha's goalscorer was not confirmed by official sources at the time of writing.

The 0-0 half-time scoreline reflects a typical pre-season friendly where both managers prioritised fitness and rotation over attacking urgency. Sharjah's ability to find two second-half goals — after managing only one in their first friendly against Bačka Topola — suggests improving attacking cohesion under new signings. The clean defensive sheet was broken only by Abha's late consolation.

This was Sharjah's second of five scheduled friendlies during their Slovenia training camp, which runs until 30 July. The camp is overseen by Portuguese head coach José Morais, appointed in December 2025. Sharjah have made aggressive moves in the summer transfer window, bringing in Laba Kodjo (Togolese striker, free transfer from Al Ain), Charles Pickel (DR Congo midfielder, from Espanyol), Diney Borges (Cape Verde defender), and Brazilian duo Julimar and Caio Lucas, alongside retaining playmaker Igor Coronado.

Abha, who secured promotion back to the Saudi Pro League for the 2026/27 season, are also in the middle of their pre-season preparations. They face Caykur Rizespor on 31 July as part of their build-up.

Sharjah's next friendly is against Slovenian side ND Beltinci on 22 July, followed by further camp matches before returning to the UAE on 1 August to prepare for the new ADNOC Pro League season, which opens against Al Dhafra.

A functional pre-season win for Sharjah — nothing more, nothing less. Julimar's debut goal and Camara's continued output are the positives, while the fitness-building objective was clearly met. The real test will come when the UAE Pro League begins in August.

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Player of the Match: Julimar (Sharjah FC)

Key Moment: Julimar's second-half opener broke the deadlock after a goalless first half