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Al Wasl draw Kalba 2/2 to force them relegate officially to First Division

Dubai-based Al Wasl came from behind when they were two goals down to come out with a 2/2 draw against Ittihad Kalba In the Etisalat Pro League 23rd round encounter held at Kalba Union Sports and Cultural Club Stadium on Friday night depriving them from winning full three points. Al Wasl raised their tally to 28 points in 9th position whilst Kalba are still at the bottom of the table on 11 points to become the first team to relegate officially to First Division “A” League. 

The losers were on their way to snatch three points, but the substitution of their Zimbabwean striker Edward Sadomba was a turning point that reduced pressure on Al Wasl defense for Mohammad Nasser to score a brace that forced Kalba to stay at the bottom of the standings with a narrow chance to escape relegation.

The two teams started the game with great care and both failed to threaten each other’s goal and create scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. It was the visiting squad Al Wasl who came close to hit the back of the net only 13 minutes into play off the close-range volley fired by the Brazilian striker Jussie Ferreira but Kalba goalkeeper Mohammad Abdullah effected a fine save to thwart Ferreira before a defender cleared the ball away for a corner kick.  Kalba replied four minutes later with a dangerous attempt when Amer Deep took the ball on the right side of the penalty area, but his team mate Abdullah Al Gamhi was guilty of squandering the lovely chance when he sent the ball just close to the upright.

Time went on with both teams continuing their endeavors looking for a goal that would calm down their nerves and boost their morals but they couldn’t build up any sitters. 

Frankly speaking, the two sides demonstrated male and lackluster performance in the first session devoid of any technical features. Al Wasl played without any pressure after losing their competing chance at the top and avoided struggle at the bottom while Kalba played against all expectations as they were the team who needed to fight strongly and come out with full points so as to keep their hopes alive to avoid relegation but they did not provide what can make their dreams come true. It was Mohammad Malalla who broke this deadlock when he received a long ball, went past a defender before sending it into the far corner just to the left of the advancing keeper Rashid Ali putting  his side 1-0 up one minute before the break.

Kalba Zimbabwean striker Edward Sadomba doubled the advantage of his team only four minutes after the breather when he controlled a long pass before driving the ball into the left top corner. But Al Wasl substitute Mohammad Naseer reduced the deficit pulling one back in the 53rd minute.

Inspired by this goal, Al Wasl pressed hard and Ittihad Kalba players retreated back to defend their narrow lead and despite of their opponents continuous attacks, they refused to give up under pressure. The hosts attacker Abdullah Al Gamhi was almost to score a third goal had not his shot rebounded off the cross bar in the 85th minute. Mohammad Nasser restored parity for Al Wasl one minute from time to help his team snatch a valuable point with a 2-2 draw.