Bani Yas quell Shabab's challenge

Bani Yas defeated Al Shabab 2-0 in an all-first division encounter in Group 'C' of the President's Cup competition here yesterday. The victory was a proof to the progress the team has achieved under their new Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof.

Westerhof deserves the credit. After joining the technical staff last month, he had already re-organised the team that has gained physical fitness, correct passing and winning mentality.

Bani Yas dominated the first half an hour of play and pressed for a goal. But Jumaa Rashid, the former UAE custodian, made brilliant saves to keep a clean net.

Al Shabab was the better side in the last minutes of the first half, but Shaiban Salim, the home team's goalie, was in a class of his own. He denied the visitors three definite goals from clear, one on one positions with Salim Saad, the Al Shabab's dynamic striker.

Abdullah Salih, Bani Yas striker, was the hero of his team yesterday. He made great efforts in the left flank.

He crossed to his professional colleague Abdullah Traore, 18 minutes after the break, and Traore placed the ball in for his team's first goal.

Three minutes later, Khalid Al Doukhi, the referee made a big blunder and awarded Al Shabab a controversial penalty when he should have awarded Bani Yas a free kick. Waleed Obaid, Al Shabab's midfielder, saved the referee from embarrassment when his spot kick was deflected by the up left.

Bani Yas, who have already made three substitutions, played 15 minutes with 10 players following the injury of defender and captain Abdul Jalil Rashid, who completed the match standing near the touch line without being able to move.

Abdullah Salih came again to the rescue of Bani Yas, seven minutes before the end.

He sent a high-flying corner-kick that flew over the penalty area to the other side where Abdullah Rashid returned the ball to Salih. Salih's fierce left-footer went into the near corner of the net for his team's second goal.

Bani Yas have increased their tally to four points from two matches while Al Shabab remained without a point from one match.