Thursday, February 24, 2011

Derby Day in Dubai Part Two

Dubai rivals Al Ahli and Al Wasl lock horns for the second time in six days in tonight’s President’s Cup quarter final tie at Al Shabab Club in Dubai. The Cheetahs were the victors in Saturday’s Pro-League tie against David O’Leary’s men with two second half goals coming from substitutes Saeed Al Kas and Omran Abdulrahman.

The game bore similarities with any derby around the world: impassioned fans, hard tackling and debatable refereeing decisions combining to make a fantastic spectacle. The game started cautiously with both sides eager to keep things tight and not make any unnecessary errors; Al Wasl had been humiliated back in September by their adversaries after conceding a goal in the second minute followed by two more before half time, finishing the game 4-1 down. There was to be no such drama in Zabeel until Ismail Al Hamadi went through on goal in the 44th minute. The UAE international looked to have been brought down by the Al Wasl central defence and the referee blew his whistle. The Al Ahli support, situated at the opposing end of the stadium, celebrated as the opportunity to take the lead presented itself. However their joy was quickly turned to despair as referee Ali Hamad issued Al Hamadi with a yellow card for diving, his second having previously been booked for a stupid altercation with the opposition, and the Red Knights were reduced to ten men.

While David O’Leary refused to comment on the referee’s performance after the match, club officials Abdullah Al Naboodah and Ahmad Khalifa Hammad were less than impressed. Al Naboodah launched a stinging criticism of the man in the middle after the game and this was followed up with an official complaint from Ahmad Khalifa Hammad.

The sending off was undoubtedly the turning point of the game. Al Ahli came out for the second half with a sense of urgency knowing the pressure was on them with fewer players. A few chances came their way, notably to Karim El Ahmadi who hit the post after some superb build up play. However, Al Wasl gradually pushed Al Ahli deeper into their own half and began to take control of the game. A goal for the home team seemed inevitable and was tucked away by Al Kas in the 69th minute. Despite making several changes and pushing for the equalizer, the away side could not find the key to unlock the Al Wasl defense and put the ball behind Majed Naser. With Al Ahli camped high up the park searching for a dramatic late goal Rashed Essa broke away with the ball in the fourth minute of stoppage time. His superb pass found Abdulrahman who slotted the ball past Saif Yousif sending the whole Al Wasl community wild.

Though defeating their rivals comprehensively in September, Al Ahli have now lost to Al Wasl on their last three occasions. With the President’s Cup the Red Knights last chance of silverware reaching the Rashid Stadium this season, the players and fans – who vehemently voiced their discontent after the league defeat – will be desperate to win tonight. O’Leary and Al Naboodah have maintained their stance that this year is designated for learning and team building but must realise the Ahlawy will want to see evidence of progress. Al Wasl on the other hand would love nothing more than to end their Dubai counterparts dreams of success. The Zabeel side are chasing a cup double with an Etisalat Cup Semi-Final versus Al Ain scheduled for 10th March. Tonight’s fixture will certainly be one to watch. The momentum and sense of confidence from Al Wasl versus the feeling of injustice and desire for revenge from Al Ahli will definitely culminate in a compelling, enthralling encounter to reach the last four of the competition.

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