⚽ First Division, Match Day 3
📅 Saturday, April 12, 2025
📍 Al-Nasr Academy Field, Dubai, UAE
Banaat FC returned to action following the Eid break with a highly anticipated clash against GoPro Academy. Despite dominating possession throughout the match, the team walked away with a disappointing 2-2 draw that left a feeling of frustration within the squad.
Banaat FC came out strong, applying high pressure in the first half and creating a number of early chances. However, GoPro’s goalkeeper, Rachel van Herk, proved to be a tough wall to break through, pulling off several key saves to keep her side in the game.
As the first half progressed, Manela Donyoh sent a through ball out wide to left winger, Caye Yocor. Yocor was able to break the deadlock driving into the box and placing the ball in the top left of the goal, leaving the GoPro defence with no answer. Banaat FC took a 1-0 lead.
Although Banaat controlled the tempo and dictated the play, a drop in focus led GoPro to an opportunity to equalize from a shoutout wide. The score was tied at the half.
Not long into the second half, Banaat FC found the back of the net yet again. Safa Shafi played Mel Hoekstra in 1-on-1 with the GoPro keeper and was able to set up Stella Fedyunin up for an easy tap-in. Banaat FC was on top again leading 2-1.
The second half continued in a similar rhythm – Banaat FC continued to control the game in short periods but struggled to convert vital opportunities and maintain a consistent dominant energy. In the last few minutes of the match, a defensive error gave GoPro the opportunity to equalize the score again and the match commenced with a draw.
Despite their control and quality in possession in some moments of the match, the group left the pitch frustrated – not just by the result, but by their overall performance. This team knows they fell short of their usual standards, failing to capitalize on momentum and play to their full potential. With a sense of unfinished business and the return of vital teammates from injury, the team will now look to reset, refocus, and bring a sharper, more clinical performance into their upcoming match against Mubadara on April 19th.
