⚽ First Division, Match Day 6
📅 Sunday, May 4, 2025
📍 Al-Nasr Academy Field, Dubai, UAE
The highly anticipated match against ADCC was nothing short of a statement performance from us. The 2-0 loss marked the closest result we’ve achieved against this side. Despite the defeat, we can still be proud of our efforts and take away some key positives from our performance.
This meeting was the last ever match Banaat FC will play against ADCC, a club that has existed for 20 years in the UAE. Along with their impressive legacy, ADCC made history for women's football in the UAE as they were the first UAE club to qualify in the Asian Champions League. Their run in the champions league was impressive, from upsetting the Saudi Arabian giants, Al Nassr, in the preliminary round to making it all the way to the quarter finals in Vietnam. The ADCC roster also features standout players such as Nouf Al Anzi, captain of the UAE national team, along with former Banaat FC talents Ahoud Khalid and Salha Al Zaabi.
ADCC opened the scoring early in the first half after a build-up on the left wing. Their midfielder found herself in a shooting position inside the box and was able to find the back of the net to give her team the early lead.
Despite trailing 1-0, the Lilacs responded with determination and managed to create multiple chances that nearly brought us level. A close opportunity emerged when Caye Yocor sent a cross into the box that almost found the back of the net.
Towards the end of the first half, ADCC capitalized on a misplay in the box, allowing their winger to slot in an easy tap-in. It was 2-0 going into the halftime break.
The second half remained an intense contest from both sides, we remained relentless in our efforts, limiting ADCC from creating any clear-cut chances on goal.
A final effort on goal was made as Mel Hoekstra stepped up to deliver a free kick from the central area outside the 18-yeard box. The first attempt was pushed wide of the goal, allowing Nour Roumani to get on the end of the rebound and redirect the ball into the goal, however the referee ordered the free kick to be retaken, as the ADCC wall had moved before the ball was struck.
Despite the result, we can still be appreciative of our efforts in this match. We proved to be a difficult match up, making our opponents work every minute for this win. However, the lack of composure in the final third ultimately cost us the breakthrough we were chasing all game. Banaat FC is back in action at home on Saturday, May 10th versus Mubadara at 8:30pm.
At this match, 40 spectators were in attendance.
