Denis Stacqualursi leaves little doubt in Baniyas win over Ajman

Stracqualursi scored twice, after Joan Verdu had broken the deadlock in the 77th minute from the Argentine forward’s assist, for Baniyas to take their tally to 12 points from eight games in front of their home fans, reports Amith Passela.

Denis Stracqualursi of Baniyas, wearing No 11, scored two late goals to lead his team past visiting Ajman on Tuesday night. Mostafa Reda / Al Ittihad

SHAMKHA // Luis Garcia was full of praise for his players’ fighting qualities after Baniyas secured a 3-0 victory over Ajman on Tuesday, their third win in as many games.

Denis Stracqualursi scored twice, after Joan Verdu had broken the deadlock in the 77th minute from the Argentine forward’s assist, for Baniyas to take their tally to 12 points from eight games in front of their home fans.

“It was another excellent performance from my players,” said Garcia. “We had a good first half and created a few chances, yet we couldn’t score.

“So I told my players during the break to increase the tempo and it worked well ­thereafter.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better finish now that the league takes a month’s break for the Gulf Cup. There is still a lot of work and hopefully we can work on the areas we have to improve during this period.”

Baniyas collected three points from their first five games but have reaped the maximum from the past three to move up to seventh in the table, six points behind the leaders Al Wahda.

It was Verdu’s header, from a back-pass by Stracqualursi, that put them in the lead.

About 12 minutes after the first Baniyas goal, Stracqualursi hammered a rebound into the net when Bandar Al Ahbabi’s effort was blocked by Ali Mesmari. It doubled the lead and eased the tension before the burly Argentine rounded off the victory on full-time by heading home a cross from Verdu.

“We were coming after a hard game against Al Wahda (3-3) five days ago and had seven players injured,” said the Ajman coach Fetthi Jebel.

“We didn’t have adequate replacements for tonight’s game yet we played well for about 75 minutes until Baniyas scored. Once we conceded a goal my players gave up the fight.”

Baniyas could have taken the lead at the half-hour had Stracqualursi been on target from a one-on-one against Mesmari.

Then they had a flurry of chances early in the second half before Verdu struck, after the clever exchange of passes with Stracqualursi.

Baniyas v Ajman report card

Star performer

Joan Verdu. The Spaniard was in the thick of every move and was rewarded with the opening goal for Baniyas. He broke the deadlock with an exquisite header on his follow-through after exchanging passes with Denis Stracqualursi.

Underperformer

Bakari Kone. The Ivorian was outstanding in the last game when he scored twice in the 3-3 draw against Al Wahda but was sluggish in front and did not fall back in support.

Key moment

Haboush Saleh found Stracqualursi with a long ball and the Argentine sent it wide of the far post with only the goalkeeper Ali Mesmari to beat. Had he scored, Baniyas would have had the win wrapped up early.

Baniyas’s rating

6/10. They were the more creative and always looked likely to score even after the frustration of failing to capitalise on their early chances.

Ajman’s rating

4/10. Baniyas made mistakes, but Ajman were never able to raise their level on the night to really trouble the home side.

Follow our sports coverage on twitter at @SprtNationalUAE