The football team "Al-Wasl" achieved a valuable victory over the guests from "Al-Jazira" with a score of 1-0 today, on Monday, at the Zabeel Stadium in the first match of the playoffs of the Arab Emirates Professional League Cup (Islamic Bank of Abu Dhabi Football Cup).
The "Imperator" was obliged to win by his artist of the game Nikolas Himenes, who scored the only goal in dramatic fashion in the 90+1st minute, when he took advantage of a deflected ball from the goalkeeper after a powerful shot from Joao Pedro and found it in the net, making the score 1-0.
The next match between the teams will take place next Sunday at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, where "Al-Wasl" will strive to maintain its superiority and progress to the final, while "Al-Jazira" will be forced to develop a stronger attacking game in order to compensate for the defeat and fight for a spot in the final.
Returning to the match - it was a tough battle between the teams, as they exchanged attacks throughout, however a solid defense and brilliant goalkeeping did not allow any goals to be scored until the final minutes.
"Al-Jazira" almost took the lead in the 10th minute when player Vinicius Mello scored, but the goal was annulled after a VAR review, which showed the presence of offside by one of the "Al-Jazira" players at the moment of scoring.
"Al-Wasl" began to take advantage of the home field advantage and support from the fans, relying on the movements of Ali Saleh, Joao Pedro, and the artistic play of Nikolas Himenes, while "Al-Jazira" struggled with its defense and counterattacks under the guidance of Niskin Kebab, Nabiya Fakir, and Ramon Mires.
As the game progressed, the attacks on both goals intensified, but the goalkeepers of "Al-Wasl" Mohammed Ali and "Al-Jazira" Stefan Lekovich shone, reflecting dangerous moments.
At that time, as the match seemed to be heading towards a draw, Nikolas Himenes managed to embellish the victory for his team "Al-Wasl" in the 90+1st minute, establishing the same comfortable position before the decisive match.
