Dubai: Argentinean professional Justo Del Carril scored a brace late in the fourth and final chukker to help Mohammad Al Habtoor's team to an exciting 4-3 win against Rashid Al Habtoor's team to lift the 2nd Al Habtoor Challenge Cup and Argentina Cup at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club yesterday.
With both teams tied 2-2 at the end of the third quarter, it was Del Carril calling the shots with two quick goals to distance his team from Rashid Al Habtoor's team.
Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group was the chief guest and presented the trophies to captain Mohammad Al Habtoor along with Ruben Caro, Ambassador of Argentina in the UAE.
Rashid Al Habtoor scored early in the first chukker to help his side move clear. But brother Mohammad drew level immediately.
Exciting
After a barren second chukker, two-handicapper Ezequiel de Biasio gave Mohammad's team the advantage only to see young Tariq Al Habtoor equalising following a move from the left. It was in the fourth chukker that things reached an exciting level as Del Carril moved in from the centre and tapped past a sturdy defence marshalled by fellow Argentinean Fernando Quinto Bordieu.
Del Carril scored his second within seconds to make it 4-2 in favour of Mohammad Al Habtoor's team. But Rashid's team was far from over as Bordieu pulled one back towards the end of the chukker to make it 4-3.
"It was a tough match as the teams were evenly balanced," stated Mohammad Al Habtoor.
"They played well, but we missed many easy scoring chances. And the wind didn't help either," stated birthday boy Rashid.
