Al Wahda 3 Baniyas 1
Al Wahda Omar 22', Al Shehhi 25', 87
Baniyas Stracqualursi 70'
Man of the match Damian Diaz (Al Wahda)
ABU DHABI // Majed Salem, the caretaker coach, was given a perfect first outing in the job as the Al Wahda players put a troubled week behind them to defeat Baniyas on Thursday night at the Al Nahyan stadium.
Amer Omar opened the scoring and Mohammed Al Shehhi found the net twice – either side of Argentine forward Denis Stracqualursi pulling one back for Baniyas – for a 3-1 result.
Salem, the club’s under-21 coach, who will be in charge for two matches until the arrival of new coach Sami Al Jaber, said the result was a confidence booster ahead of their Asian Champions League play-off against Al Sadd of Qatar on Tuesday.
“The players lacked confidence from the 2-2 result against Emirates in the last game and I think this win will restore their belief,” he said.
“What I told my players ahead of the game was to just go out there and do the best because there was not time to change our game tactically. We have an experienced lot and they did the job for me tonight.
“So I would like to thank them because it was their effort. We were up against a strong team and I am glad we won the three points.”
Luis Garcia, the Baniyas coach, insisted they matched Wahda on the pitch despite the defeat.
“We played at the same level but Wahda scored twice within a short period of time to have better control of the match,” said the Spaniard.
“We committed some mistakes in the first half but played better in the second period. This is a team that is improving after every game and our objective still remains a top four finish.”
Omar opened the scoring off a superb cross from Damian Diaz, who split the Baniyas defence for the Emirati forward to sprint inside the area and chip the ball over the charging goalkeeper Mohsin Al Hashmi.
Al Shehhi doubled the lead four minutes later when he tapped in a ball that was pushed out by Al Hashmi following a shot from Omar, which Diaz had set him from outside the area.
Star performer Damian Diaz (Al Wahda) – The Argentine midfielder set up his team's goals to lay a strong foundation for a much-needed win.
Underperformer Darwish Juma Mohammed (Baniyas) – There were few poor performances, but the midfielder lost possession too often and was substituted at half-time.
Key moment Al Wahda's two goals inside four first-half minutes removed much of the pressure from their shoulders.
Al Wahda rating – 6/10 Taking an early lead, they tightened their grip with close marking and solid defending, as well as producing good movement on the pitch.
Baniyas rating – 4/10 After some early promise and creative play, they struggled for much of the match.
Our verdict Coming off a sudden coaching change, Wahda can take many positives ahead of their Asian Champions League play-off. They were not outstanding in anything but showed promise.
Al Jazira keep the top spot in AGL
Al Jazira continued to set the pace at the top of the Arabian Gulf League on Thursday night with a 2-0 win at Emirates.
Ali Mabkhout opened the scoring after 18 minutes, rounding Emirates goalkeeper Ahmed Al Shaji before scoring, and doubled the lead four minutes later when his shot from a tight angle forced Mubarak Saeed to turn the ball into his own net.
Jazira have 36 points, three clear of Al Ain, who have two games in hand, the first of which comes today at home to Ajman.
apassela@thenational.ae
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