Marzooq stars in Shabab win
dubai — Mohammed Marzooq’s early header was the difference as Shabab Al Ahli defeated Dibba 1-0 at Fujairah Stadium in matchweek 6 of the Arabian Gulf League on Friday.
ShababAlAhligotofftoquickstart,as defenderMarzooqheadedMauroDiaz’s brilliantly crossed long range freekick into the back of Mohamed Salem’s net, just four minutes into the game.
Dibba responded as they maintained position and applied pressure on away side, however, they failed to level things up until the referee blew the halftime whistle.
Jaime Ayovi nearly doubled they lead for Shabab Al Ahli in the 83rd minute, when he received Emiliano Vecchio’s defence-splitting through pass up the left flank. The Ecuadorian’s left footed strike cannoned off the woodwork to deny the away side their second goal of the night.
The win takes Shabab Al Ahli temporarily to the sixth spot with nine points, ahead of their anticipated clash against Al Wasl next week. Meanwhile, Dibba occupy the 12th spot with three points and will face Fujairah in matchweek 7 of the Arabian Gulf League.
Meanwhile, fans at Bani Yas Stadium were treated to a goal fest as Bani Yas and Emirates played out a 3-3 draw in the Arabian Gulf League.
The Sky Blues got off to a flying start as Spanish striker Pedro Conde controlled a long pass from Hassan Al Muharrami before striking on the half-volley from inside the box to break the deadlock just eight minutes into the match.
Emirates were handed a golden chance to equalise just as the opening half drew to a close as the referee pointed to the spot after Robson de Paula pulled Bernie Ibini inside the box. Midfielder Waleed Ambar stepped up and converted from the spot in the 45th minute to send the Falcons to the dressing room level.
The Falcons turned the table around within three minutes of the restart as right-back Abdullah Musa crossed for Saeed Salem. The youngster’s finish from close distance ricocheted off the post and via the back of goalkeeper Fahad Al Dhanhani into the back of the net to make it 2-1 for the visitors.
Substitute Ahmed Malalla restored parity seven minutes from time after heading home from a Leroy George corner kick to make it 2-2.
Three minutes later, Faisal Al Antali scored what the hosts thought is the winner, heading from point blank after a scuffle in front of goal.
The visitors from Ras Al Khaima refused to give up, Chiekh Diabate’s blocked effort from inside the box fell to Saad Suroor who curled it into back of the net to rescue a point for Emirates in the last minute of added time.
The draw lifts Emirates up to 11th place with four points while Bani Yas’ fourth draw of the campaign lifts them temporarily above Al Wasl in eighth place with seven points.