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Ismail Mattar helps Al Wahda to beat Ajman 1-0

 

With a lone goal scored by Ismail Mattar in the 77th minute, Al Wahda beat Ajman in the Etisalat Pro-League fourth round match played today evening at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The hosts raised their balance to 7 points to take 5th spot while Ajman are still with their three- point tally.

The two teams demonstrated poor display in the opening ten minutes as most of the work was concentrated on the midfield zone without any direct effect on the two goals. The referee Adil Ali awarded Ajman a penalty kick but he cancelled his decision after the intervention of his assistant Mohammad Al Jalaf.

Mohammad Al Shehhy of Al Wahda sent a shot in the 18th minute but it passed near the upright and Oliveira replied three minutes later off a counter attack but the goalkeeper Motaz Abdullah saved brilliantly. Ajman were the better side in the first half which ended in a goalless draw.

Al Wahda's coach Heksberger made his first substitute in the beginning of the second session when he brought in Amer Omer to replace Al Shehhy. Al Wahda's performance improved a little bit after Mattar and Al Katheri along with substitute Amer made some positive movements. 

The hosts' continuous pressure forced Ajman to retreat back amid a number of chances squandered by Al Wahda against one opportunity for the visiting team. Hassan Maatouq was almost to surprise Al Wahda with a strong shot but Motaz controlled the ball bravely.

Heksberger fielded in Brazilian Bayano to replace Al Katheri in the 70th minute. Ismail Mattar netted the all-important goal of the match seven minutes later and the substitute Bayano came close to score the second goal but his strong header went into the goalkeeper's hands one minute before the official time to end the game with a solitary goal win for Al Wahda.