Sport | Football
First Division kicks-off with goals and red cards in opening fixtures
Opening day of the UAE Etisalat First Division League had a feast of goals and red cards.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:52 September 20, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Opening day of the UAE Etisalat First Division League had a feast of goals and red cards.
In four matches, a total of 14 goals were scored while four players and a head coach were sent off.
Bani Yas started their campaign at home beating Al Hamriyah 3-0 with Ganem Basheer, Akram Ma'atoug, from Tunisia, and Adil Habbosh all getting on the score sheet.
Bani Yas's determination to return to the top division was evident as was the determination of the club's new management to back the team with chairman Mattar Al Muhair and all the members of the board of directors attending the match along with a big home crowd.
Habbosh registered his return to his old club in style by scoring the third goal after spending seasons with Al Wahda and Emirates.
Al Fujairha, held on to their 1-0 victory over Al Rams despite finishing with nine men after the referee sent off Mohammad Ali and Hazza Obaid, both for foul play in the second half.
Jordanian Ahmad Hayel scored the only goal of the game following a penetrating pass from his Moroccan colleague Abdul Kabeer Mofakiry. The team's head coach Thayir Jassam was also sent off.
Emirates, who were relegated last season, proved to be a tough nut to crack for RAK.
Emirates, playing without any foreign players and having last Salem Al Khaboory and Faisal Al Sheehi, won 4-1.
They took control of the game with Adnan Hussain, who joined them from Al Nasr, showing dazzling skills and scoring the first goal in the 55th minute.
Consolation strike
Omar Abdul Aziz, Khamis Esmail and Abdulla Ali added the other goals while Brazilian Deigo scored a consolation goal for RAK from the spot.
Dubai returned home with three points after beating Dibba Al Fujairah 3-2.
Diara scored twice and Ali Hassan added the winner for Dubai in the third minute of injury time.
Bani Yas started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Al Hamriyah as they strive to return to the top flight. Bani Yas' new board of directors all attended the game to show their support.
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