Baniyas 2-3 Hatta
BAN: Hernandez 17'; Larrivey 21' (pen)
HAT: Rosa 18', 74' (pen), Ropotan 90+1'
Pablo Repetto's reign at Baniyas has lasted only 86 days, after the club announced Jose Gomes as his replacement late Saturday.
The Uruguayan, courted by the Arabian Gulf League side for some time, was dismissed immediately following the 3-2 home defeat to Hatta, which left Baniyas winless from his eight matches in charge.
Repetto was appointed on July 28, hours after he had lost the Copa Libertadores final with Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle. His stock had risen because of the minnows’ run to the showpiece, which included victories against River Plate and Boca Juniors.
However, Repetto was soon deemed the wrong fit at Baniyas. His tactics and approach were quickly questioned, and the results only reinforced his unsuitability. Baniyas suffered six defeats from his eight matches.
Gomes was confirmed as the club’s new manager on their official Twitter account 10 minutes following the league defeat to Hatta, a match Baniyas had led 2-1 but conceded an injury-time goal to lose.
Portuguese Gomes, 46, has managed a number of clubs in his homeland, but has served as assistant manager at the most notable: FC Porto, from 2008 to 2010. He also held a similar role at Malaga and Panathinaikos.
In May, he was appointed manager of newly crowned Saudi Arabian champions Al Ahli, replacing Christian Gross, yet was sacked within three months. Previous to that, Gomes was in charge of Saudi side Al Taawoun, guiding them to place in this year’s Asian Champions League’s play-offs.
In the match, Romanian Adrian Ropotan scored a winner in the first minute of added time for promoted Hatta to return with an encouraging result from the Baniyas Stadium.
There was drama midway through the first half when three goals were scored within four minutes before the game ended in a climax, ensuring joy for the visitors but heartbreak for Baniyas.
Ropotan knocked in the winner in front of a crowded goalmouth after the Baniyas defence failed to clear a free kick floated inside the area by the Australian Nikolai David.
There were quite a few fumbles from players of both sides before it fell on the path of Ropotan, who slotted in from the far post to the back of the net
Baniyas began well. They took the lead twice in the first half and could have added to their tally had they been on target early in the second period.
Daniel Hernandez, the Colombian who was signed on the final day of the transfer window on Thursday, scored on his debut for the home side.
However, the lead lasted only a minute as Samuel Rosa picked up a long ball to strike at the other end. Baniyas regained the lead through Joaquin Larrivey from a spot kick for a handball by David.
Hatta were level again as Rosa converted a penalty that was awarded against Yousuf Jaber for a handball.
And, when it looked like the game was heading for a draw, Ropotan struck. And thus spelt the final straw for Repetto at Baniyas.
The result took Hatta’s tally to seven points and moved them fourth for now.
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