Dubai: Former Al Ahli midfielder Waleed Ahmad marked his return to top-level domestic football with Ittihad Kalba as Dubai Police secured a tiebreaker win against debutants Late Ebrahim Al Marouf team to defend their Late Maktoum Memorial crown at the Dubai Police Officers Club late on Monday.

After playing out a goalless draw after regulation period, the Late Ebrahim Al Marouf team were undone after Sharjah defender Hassan Ameen blasted over to miss the only penalty kick of the match and hand the hosts a 5-4 win.

“Playing in Division One once again will be the next challenge for me personally,” Waleed Ahmad told Gulf News.

“This tournament is a great moment for us, not because we have won it again but also because it has given us players a rare opportunity to stay fit and start getting ready for the new season. I am pretty excited about my new club, and I hope everything will be well again,” he added.

After starting his career with a five-season spell with Dubai’s Al Ahli, the midfielder spent five years with Ajman Club before transferring to Sharjah Club from 2015 till date. But with very little playing time with Abdul Aziz Al Anbari’s side, Waleed Ahmad decided to make the switch to Kalba.

The final began at a quick pace with Dubai Police skipper Eisa Mohammad’s second minute shot from the half-line missing the target narrowly. The Late Ebrahim Al Marouf team responded five minutes later when skipper Jamal Marouf reacted late on a delivery from Hassan Ameen. The best chance of the match came in the 15th minute when an Eisa Mohammad delivery inside the box was headed over the goal by Waleed Ahmad.

The second half was more subdued with players from both teams struggling to cope with the humidity. Sharjah Club’s Hassan Saleh could have settled it for Late Ebrahim Marouf, but shot over with only Ahmad Hussain at his mercy on the Dubai Police goal.

In the penalty shoot-out, Dubai Police converted all five kicks through Waleed Ahmad, Ebrahim Abdullah, Qasim Abdul Redha, Mohammad Sabil and Sanad Ali, while the losing finalists got their goals from Jamal Marouf, Saif Mohammad, Abdullah Ganem and Hassan Saleh after Hassan Ameen had missed the third kick.

Major General Mohammad Saeed Al Merri, director of Community Happiness at Dubai Police, was joined by a number of top dignitaries from various government organisations at the presentation of trophies and medals to the top three teams.