⚽️ UAE Womens League, MD 3
📅 Friday, January 16, 2026
📍 Dubai, UAE
The Lilacs returned to league action for their third match of the season, hosting Mubadara at Al Nasr Pitch 3 in our first home game of 2026.
The fixture carried extra significance following last season’s meetings with Mubadara, which ended in a 2-2 draw and a 4-1 loss. Facing one of the stronger sides in the league, we approached this match with a strong mentality and delivered a dominant performance to open the year with three points.
The scoring opened up through combination play up the left side of the pitch by Safa Shafi and Bogi Tramontini. By weaving through the Mubadara defense, Bogi found herself into a position to shoot and sent the ball into the top corner of the goal.
As we found our rhythm, our attack continued to produce. A redirected corner kick from Bogi, allowed for striker Leen Alhaj to get her head on it and add to our goal tally.
We maintained control through the remainder of the first half, continuing to dictate play and create chances. From working the ball out of the back, midfielder Melanie Hoestra played a ball in behind the opponent’s back line getting striker Wuyah Mohai to run onto and get herself 1-on-1 with the keeper. She calmly slotted the ball in the bottom corner of the goal, sending us into halftime with a 3-0 advantage. We carried the same intensity and mentality into the second half.
We continued to threaten as Bogi advanced down the left and found Wuyah to redirect the ball first time into the goal.
The score stood at 4-0 in the closing stages of the match before a defensive error allowed Mubadara a clear opportunity, for their only goal of the match.
Further drama unfolded following Mubadara’s goal. A heated exchange on the touchline between the referee and head coach Bacary Sagna resulted in the coach being shown two consecutive yellow cards. He was then sent off and forced to leave the technical area.
Following Sagna’s exit, the match commissioner instructed spectators on the supporting side to relocate to the end of the pitch behind the goal, resulting in a 10-minute delay to the match.
Reflecting on the result and the team’s early-season progress, Assistant Coach Kevin Palma said:
“We delivered a strong, composed performance against a tough opponent, controlling large spells of the game and creating quality chances. We showed real unity, with new signing Rayana impressing in central midfield, bringing composure, energy, and authority. Overall, the progress is clear and the momentum is building as we head into the season.”
This result moves us to two wins and one draw in the league so far, and gives us a strong platform to build from as the season progresses.
