⚽️ UAE Womens League, MD 6
📅 Sunday, March 29, 2026
📍 Dubai
The 2026 UAE Women’s League continues to intensify as teams progress through the competition. In their sixth match of the campaign, Banaat FC returned to home turf determined to maintain their strong form and build further momentum in the league standings.
Preparation and Focus Ahead of Kick-Off
In the lead-up to Sunday’s fixture, the Banaat FC squad continued their preparations with a clear emphasis on tactical discipline and attacking efficiency. Training sessions throughout the week focused on movement in the final third and set-piece execution — areas that would prove influential during the match.
A Competitive Battle Under the Lights
That preparation was put to the test on Sunday, 29th March, as Banaat FC hosted Empire FC at Al Nasr Club, with a 7:30PM kick-off.
In what marked their sixth match of the competition, Banaat FC secured a 7–3 victory in an entertaining and hard-fought encounter.
Despite the scoreline, the match was far from straightforward. Empire FC delivered a well-organized performance, creating challenges for Banaat FC and applying pressure at key moments throughout the game.
Key Moments and Goals
Banaat FC opened the scoring in the 11th minute, with Leen providing the assist for Wuyah to finish confidently and give the team an early advantage.
The attacking momentum continued midway through the first half, as left-back Servi set up Bogi for Banaat’s second goal in the 25th minute. Just moments later, Bogi struck again to extend the lead and assert control.
Her influence grew even further as she completed a first-half hat-trick in the 33rd minute, once again linking effectively with Servi to cap off a dominant attacking spell. The connection between the two proved particularly impactful — even sparking a light-hearted moment off the pitch, as Servi jokingly reminded Coach Bac: “2 assists, 2 shawarmas,” in reference to the shawarmas he provided during Ramadan training.
The intensity did not drop as the half progressed. In the closing minutes before the break, Caye came off the bench and made an immediate impact, finding the net in the 42nd minute — just 14 minutes after entering the pitch.
However, Empire FC responded quickly, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to score in the 44th minute — a reminder of the pressure they continued to apply throughout the contest. Banaat FC entered half-time with a 5–2 lead, reflecting both their attacking efficiency and the competitive nature of the match.
Beyond the attacking highlights, midfielder Safa played a key role in controlling the centre of the pitch, holding things together in midfield during a match where several teammates were away on national team duty and training commitments.
The match also marked an important milestone in defence, with debut appearances for returning player Salha Rashid, joined by her sister Ghanima Rashid, both of whom contributed to the team’s defensive structure and stability throughout the game.
In the second half, Bogi continued her standout performance, adding her fourth goal in the 65th minute. The scoring was capped late in the match, with Wuyah finishing from a corner to secure Banaat FC’s seventh goal in the 87th minute.
Post-Match Reflections
Speaking after the match, midfielder Safa critically reflected on the performance, saying: “We didn’t think it was our best performance, but we dug deep and got the three points — that’s what matters. This is only a stepping stone and we have got 8 matches left” Returning defender Salha shared her thoughts on the game and her comeback: “The game was tough, but as soon as I came on I felt at home again. It’s a really good feeling to be back.”
Looking Ahead
With this 7–3 victory, Banaat FC moves into second place, just two points behind the leaders with a game in hand — setting up an exciting race for the top spot.
The team will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture on Sunday 5th April against 971 WFC, as they continue their push at the top of the table.
Written by Lily Hardman, Banaat FC Junior Intern
