Tarik Tissoudali gets Khor Fakkan off to winning start in UAE Pro League opener

There were no draws from the opening matchday of the UAE Pro League and Tarik Tissoudali’s Khor Fakkan were among the seven winning clubs with a thrilling 3-2 result over Al Jazira on Sunday.

The Moroccan won it late for the hosts with an opportunistic finish in the 81st minute. A short corner kick led to a cross that was tracked down by defender Kayque Campos, who hopefully kicked the ball over his shoulder back into the Al Jazira penalty area for Tissoudali to take the ball down and finish low.

All five goals were scored in the second half with Tissoudali setting up Lourency for the opener inside the opening minute after halftime. Another assist from the former KAA Gent star saw Aylton Boa Morte double Khor Fakkan’s lead before the hour mark.

Two penalty kicks from former Lyon and Real Betis playmaker Nabil Fekir saw Al Jazira level the game but Tissoudali produced the difference making moment a few minutes after Fekir’s second spot kick.

Tissoudali joined Khor Fakkan on a permanent basis for a €1.7 million fee after a successful loan from Greek club PAOK during the second half of the 2024-25 season. The 32-year-old provided six goals and four assists in twelve games for the Emirati club, prompting them to spend big to secure Tissoudali’s services after he struggled in Greece.

The former Morocco national team attacker, born in Amsterdam, is embracing an opportunity to create a legacy at the club located on the Gulf of Oman coast of the UAE. Tissoudali’s strong form last season helped the club climb out of relegation danger and Sunday marked an excellent start to the new season. Khor Fakkan next face Al Bataeh next Sunday.