News Center

Bani Yas up to 2nd with 2-1 win at Dibba Al Fujairah

Bani Yas moved up a place at the top end of the table by securing three points against Dibba Al Fujairah in a 2-1 victory at the Fujairah Stadium in Round 18 of the Etisalat Pro League. The winners raised their balance to 37 points, putting them in second position at the conclusion of Round 18 after Al Jazira slipped to defeat at Al Ain. Bani Yas are just six points behind the League leaders, and right at the other end of the table, Dibba Al Fujairah remain bottom on ten points.

Both teams started the game with contrasting ambitions; Bani Yas challenging in the title race, and Dibba Al Fujairah fighting to avoid relegation. In a rather low-key first half, Bani Yas controlled much of the play although both teams struggled to create any real opportunities. However, Bani Yas almost broke the deadlock in the opening minutes when Thamir Mohammed was on target but his shot flew off target. Dibba Al Fujairah’s Ahmad Malalla came close to scoring the opener but his strong shot hit one of Bani Yas’ defenders before being cleared away by a another in the 29th minute. This was followed by a powerful shot by Luiz Fernando from a dead ball situation in the 36th minute, but the effort was controlled by the goalkeeper Mohammed Ali Gholoom. Fawaz Awana sent Bani Yas into the half time break with a 1-0 lead as he converted a powerful header to put his side ahead.

Just one minute after the break, Nawaf Mubarak recorded a shot on target for Bani Yas when he received the ball inside the six-yard area but unfortunately for him, his close-range shot was saved by the goalkeeper before being cleared by a Dibba Al Fujairah defender. The players of the two teams demonstrated an enthusiastic and balanced performance, both making a concerted effort to score. Bani Yas striker Senghor was almost to double the advantage of his team when he was set free with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the frontman hooked the ball over the advancing ‘keeper just onto the cross bar in the 62nd minute. Two minutes later, Luis Fernando brought the scores level as he equalized for Dibba Al Fujairah with a strong left footed shot in the 65th minute. Both sides squandered a handful of sitters before Nawaf Mubarak headed home the winner just five minutes from time, securing three valuable points for Bani Yas to put them in a real race at the top of the Etisalat Pro League.