UAE step past Jordan in football friendly

Dubai: UAE coach Srecko Katanec celebrated his first win with the national side with a red card as his young squad powered their way to a convincing 3-1 result against Jordan in a friendly match at the Al Shabab Club this evening.

With his side comfortably placed for a win, coach Katanec was given the marching orders by Omani referee Abdullah Al Hilali with seven minutes left for regulation period.

Katanec had started his new assignment with the UAE with a 1-1 draw against Palestine here last weekend, and last night's convincing win from a band of young and committed players must have given many the right reasons to smile.

After dominating possession through a major part of the match, Shehi scored with a strong header in the 35th minute following a pin-point cross from Ali Al Wahaibi from the right flank, while substitute Ahmad Khamis found the net off a solo effort eleven minutes into the second half to give Srecko Katanec a first win with the UAE national squad.

Abdullah Deeb pulled back a consolation goal from the penalty spot on the hour mark.

Fretting after last week's disappointing 1-1 draw against Palestine, the UAE looked much better composed in all departments of the game.

The UAE made use of the break in the domestic season to line up a couple of friendlies in an attempt to prepare for their Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia in January next year.

After initial probings from both sides, the first real threat on the Jordanian goal came in the 32nd minute when Shehi blasted a cross from Al Wahaibi with only goalkeeper Amr Shafiae at his mercy.

But the stylish player from Al Wahda made amends three minutes later when his strong header went past Shafiae.

In the second half, coach Katanec changed the entire midfield and strikers making way for a more flexible attack through Mohammad Surour and Ahmad Khamis.

That move paid immediate dividends when in the 56th minute Khamis went on a solo run from the left cleverly catching the entire Jordanian defence napping to place into an empty goal and make it 2-0.

The visitors pulled one back on the hour mark when Abdullah Deeb scored from the spot after he was brought down by UAE substitute goalkeeper Ali Khasief.

Ironically, the issue was put beyond reach with just ten minutes remaining when Mohammad Surour scored from the spot when he was brought down inside the area by defender Bassam Fatih.

The visiting supporters had something to cheer after Katanec was given the marching orders for entering the field following a foul on Sorour. But the Serbian coach had the last laugh and the joy of seeing his young wards hand him his first-ever win with the national squad.