Ajman got their season up and running with a 1-1 draw at home to Al Dhafra in a match that, bar Makhete Diop’s superb opener, lacked in quality.

Both sides made two changes to their teams from week one, with Dhafra boosted by the return of last season’s top goal scorer and captain, Diop.

Diop had the ball in the back of the net after 12 minutes but was unfortunate to be ruled offside.

The Senegal striker didn’t have to wait much longer for his first goal of the season and put Dhafra ahead six minutes later with a sublime effort from 20-yards out.

Running onto a chipped ball into the left channel, Diop instinctively thrashed the ball home on the half volley to leave a hapless Ali Mesmari looking on in awe as the ball sailed past him and into the Ajman net.

Despite the home side’s dominance their lead lasted just 12 minutes, Ajman talisman Boris Kabi calmly sending Abdulla Sultan the wrong way from the penalty spot after Rashid Mohamed rather softly went down in the box.

It was Ajman’s, and Kabi’s, second successfully converted penalties in as many matches.

Chances were few and far between in the second period with neither side able to find an elusive winner.