Deserving 2-1 win for Baniyas against Al Nasr

Dubai: The Al Nasr players left their Maktoum Stadium a devastated lot after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Bani Yas as the UAE Football League (UFL) returned to action following a fortnight-long break to make way for the Etisalat Cup.

Goals from Ziab Awane and Baba George ensured the visitors left with three points before Al Nasr's Ecuadorian import Carlos Tenorio reduced the arrears for the home side.

UAE Under-20 hero Awane broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time when he squeezed past Khaled Ebrahim and fired home from close range. Bani Yas doubled their advantage three minutes after the break when Baba George muscled his way into the box to slot the ball home from six yards.

Exceptional saves

Al Nasr pulled one back through Anouar Diba's replacement Tenorio, who found the net from spot in the 51st minute,

Bani Yas were forced to replace injured first-choice keeper Mohammad Ghloom by Ayoub Omar, but the newcomer proved his worth by making exceptional saves to deny Eman Mobali twice.

Al Nasr could have drawn level through Ali Boussaboun, but the Moroccan striker failed to beat Omar from close range.