⚽ First Division, Match Day 5
📅 Wednesday, April 30, 2025
📍 Al-Nasr Academy Field, Dubai, UAE
Banaat FC returned to midweek action against Go-Pro, aiming to secure three points since their last meeting, which ended in a draw despite Banaat FC holding the lead for most of the match.
The Al-Nasr pitch saw 37 spectators in attendance that evening – a significant number for Banaat FC. The club looks to continue to record these numbers to track the growth and increase in support for local women's football. As a club and community we hope to see these numbers grow as we continue to raise the standard for the women's game in the region.
In this match up, the team showed more grit and determination, securing the win with an overall strong performance. Despite falling behind in the first half and allowing Go Pro to equalize late in the match, Banaat FC responded each time with their relentless effort that allowed them to come out on top.
Go Pro opened up the scoring 25 minutes into the match, taking advantage of a controversial corner kick that was mistakenly ruled in play.
Just before the halftime break, Banaat FC leveled the score with a well-executed set piece. From 40 meters out, Angelina Bouhatoum delivered a precise free kick that found the head of Mel Hoekstra, who redirected it into the top left corner of the goal.
With the score equal at the start of the second half, Banaat FC was eager to take the lead. They maintained their offensive pressure and created multiple chances. but were repeatedly denied by the Go-Pro goalkeeper, who made a series of crucial saves to keep her side in the game.
Breaking the deadlock in the 62rd minute, Manela Donyoh, sent a piercing header into the back of the net meeting a pinpoint cross from none other than Angelina Bouhatoum. Remarkably, that assist marked Bouhatoum’s fourth in two matches, highlighting her impact in the final third.
Drama unfolded in the late stages of the match as Go-Pro drew level with a long-range strike, making the score 2-2. It wasn’t until Shaikha Bin Shemel, making her debut, entered the pitch that the breakthrough finally came. In the 90th minute, Bin Shemel made an immediate impact, getting on the end of a well-timed pass from Nour Roumani in the box and slotting the ball into the back of the net with a composed first-time finish.
This match was also the last official game Banaat FC played against Go-Pro’s goalkeeper, Rachel van Herk, before she leaves the UAE to pursue her education. Her strong presence will be missed, as the impact she has made on the league over the past few years was more than notable.
While recent performances have not fully reflected the team’s usual performances, this win was a step in the right direction. Through consistent effort and relentless work ethic, Banaat FC sealed an important win. Banaat FC looks to build on this win and shift their focus to their next home match versus Abu Dhabi Country Club on May 4th at 7pm.
