Israeli Diaa Sabi’a bagged a brace as Al Nasr secured a crucial 3-1 away win against Al Dhafra in their opening round match of the UAE Pro League Cup, on Saturday.
The visiting team started on a spirited note and opened the scoring in the very second minute when Israeli midfielder Diaa Sabi’a advanced unhindered through the middle to nod in a cross from point-blank range off Ryan Mendes from the left flank.
The home side tried to work their way into the game and make amends for that early set-back.
But, the Al Nasr defence line stood strong and in fact maintained persistent pressure that saw the fall of the home team goal a second time.
Mendes was once again the provider while setting up Antonio Jose De Carvalho (Toze) for Al Nasr’s second goal in the 36th minute to help the visitors troop off at half-time with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Sabi’a got his second of the night to make it 3-0 in favour of the visiting team just five minutes into the second half after being set up by Toze.
But, Bani Yas refused to relent and finally bagged a consolation goal in the 57th minute when Nigerian Imoh Ezekiel prodded home from Issam El Adoua following a corner.
The return leg of the first round between the two teams will now be played in Dubai on October 25 with the winner on aggregate advancing to the knock-out quarter-finals.