⚽ First Division, Match Day 9
📅 Tuesday, June 3, 2025
📍 Humaid Al-Tayer Stadium, Dubai, UAE
With only 2 matches remaining in the 2025 season, Banaat FC picked up 3 points from the second last match of the season in style. In our rematch with Empire, it was a thriller, with 5 second-half goals and late drama all from a relentless mentality from our Lilacs.
Although we had a short bench, managing our players' injuries, our roster saw the return of national team players, Shaikha Bin Shemel, Shjoon Alshehhi and Caye Yocor.
The first half was a strong showing of our offensive pressure and the ability of our players to adapt in new positions.
The second half commenced with the same fight and intensity as the first.
Empire broke the deadlock after a scramble in the box, capitalizing with a simple tap-in to take the lead. We still showed our persistence through continuing to play our game and create chances on goal.
Shortly after conceding, a foul deep in the Empire half gave us an opportunity in the final third. Safa Shafi stepped up to take the kick, 25 meters out from goal, and delivered a rocket into the back of the net. The score was level at 1-1.
The second of the night for the lilacs came shortly after a cross sent in from Caye Yocor found the head of Leen Alhaj, who calmly directed the ball into the back of the net.
Late match drama continued as a penalty was called for Empire, giving them the opportunity to equalize. It was 2-2 going into the final moments of the match.
Despite the change in momentum, we kept pushing forward. The breakthrough came after Leen Alhaj picked a pass through to Caye Yocor, who then got herself into a shooting position, placing the ball into the top right corner of the goal.
Final score 3-2. A hard-fought win, and three points well-earned by Banaat FC. We look to next Monday June, 9th as we face Precision in our last match of the season at Humaid Al-Tayer Stadium.
Attendance: 27 spectators.
