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Dubai hold hosts Al Wahda to a 2-2 draw

 

Abu Dhabi-based Al Wahda failed to secure a win in four successive games in the Etisalat Pro-League Competition after being held to a 2-2 draw by Dubai in round 16 match played this evening at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.  They started the game without two of their key players including Basheir Saeed and Essa Santo due to injury and their coach Hickersberger fielded on Brazilian striker Fernando Baiano, Fahed Masoud and Khalid Jalal in the second session. Al Wahda raised their tally to 20 points to remain in 8th place while Dubai are sitting in 9th spot with 17 points.

The visitors made some good efforts in the opening minutes and their player Josemar Dos Silva came close to net the opener, but his close-range header off a ball switched from the left flank, was saved brilliantly by the host's goal keeper Motaz Abdullah only 8 minutes into the game .This early chance made Al Wahda to play with open eyes and more concentration. They all went out hoping to find the back of the net and their efforts yielded the first goal when midfielder Abdul Rahim Juma'a headed the ball inside the box for the unmarked Salim Saleh to drive it into the net in the 15th minute giving the home team a 1-0 lead.

 The two teams played a balanced game afterwards with the visiting squad looking for the equalizer and Al Wahda trying to increase their tally and play with more confidence. But Dubai were the first to reach their objective and make their dreams come true. They leveled the score in the 31st minute through their Brazilian player Josemar Dos Silva when Al Wahda's defense tried to clear the ball away but it went towards Dubai's front liner who did not hesitate to slam it home making it 1-1. Al Wahda continued their hard work, creating some chances, but they couldn't score. Their midfielder Mohammad Al Shihhy found a golden chance in the 35th minute, but he shot wide in spite of facing the keeper. Michel Laurent made things difficult for their rivals when he slammed the ball home with a perfect header six minutes before the break off a stand ball switched by midfielder Hassan Abdul Rahman inside the six yard area to give his side a 2-1 lead at the breather. Al Wahda's coach Hickersberger brought in Fernando Baiano, Khalid Jalil and Fahed Masoud in the second session, but the team's performance did not change. They made some good work, but their opponents' defenders stood solid on their way spoiling all their attempts.

The display of the two teams dropped down mid way in the second half. They couldn't build up dangerous attacks after demonstrating a poor performance. Al Wahda's Brazilian midfielder Magrao helped his side Al Wahda to equalize the score with a brilliant header 11 minutes to time. The hosts' captain Hayder Alo Ali was shown the red card in the 85th minute after collecting his second booking. Fahed Masoud came close to secure three points for the home team, but his severe shot was saved by Dubai's keeper Jamal Abdullah in the last minute of the additional time.