⚽️UAE Women's League, MD 16
📅 Tuesday 19th May
📍 Dubai
Banaat FC sealed the Women’s League title in style on Tuesday, 19th May, with a commanding 3–0 victory over Empire at Al Nasr. In a tense final league fixture, Banaat delivered a disciplined, high-intensity performance in front of home support.
Leave Everything on the Pitch
Heading into the match, it was uncertain exactly how many goals Banaat FC would need in order to secure the League win, since the technicality of a goal difference could decide everything. When players came onto the pitch only one thing was for certain — the players had to give absolutely everything for the full 90 minutes. From the opening whistle, Banaat played with urgency and intent, dominating possession, pressing aggressively, and refusing to take their foot off the gas at any stage of the match. Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Leen Al Haj (no. 23) opened the scoring, finishing a well-worked move assisted by Caye Apostol Yocor (no. 7) to give Banaat the lead.
The team continued to dictate the tempo, pushing Empire back into their half for long periods. Their persistence was rewarded again just before half-time when a corner from Servi Asirifi (no.19) caused chaos in the box, with a deflection off an Empire player resulting in Banaat’s second goal.
In the second half, Banaat FC continued their aggressive strategy. In the 71st minute, one the match’s defining moments was delivered by Safa Noor Shafi (no. 8). After intercepting an opposition pass outside the box, she hit a powerful long-range strike into the top-right corner — simultaneously scoring her season’s first goal and Banaat FC’s last of the League. The bench erupted into celebration, supporters cheered, but uncertainty still remained. Nobody knew if 3–0 would be enough, which only pushed Banaat to keep fighting until the very end.
The Final Verdict…
When the final whistle blew, there was no immediate celebration. Players looked around waiting for confirmation, unsure whether their efforts had been enough. Then came the moment of clarity — it was confirmed — Banaat FC had won the League. In an instant, the tension of the season finally broke. The wash of relief instantly dissolved into pandemonious joy, with celebrations breaking out across the entire team as supporters yelled and shouted from the sidelines.
Friends and family gathered around the rapidly assembled podium on midfield as the team lined up to receive their medals. Each player and coach was presented a medal by the esteemed President of the Women’s Football Committee, Amal Hasan Bushallakh, alongside the Club’s President, Budreya Faisal. It was clear how poignant the moment was for both player and President, as some members of the squad have been with the club since its founding in 2023. The plate was then presented to Team Captain Servi Asirifi (no. 19) and former Captain Farah Alzaben (no. 2), before the plate was held aloft, surrounded by cheering players and supporters. After a season filled with pressure, setbacks, and resilience, the league was finally theirs.
Looking Back
Winning the League is no doubt a momentous achievement in the Club’s history, but it also marks another sentimental milestone. Since its inception, the team have called Al Nasr Club their home grounds. Having played the league decider match on a field they first started training on may sound like something out of a movie, but it’s true. Moreover, it may have been Banaat FC’s last match with Al Nasr as their home ground. Whilst the club’s future roost remains uncertain, Banaat FC would like to extend their humble thanks to the President of Al Nasr Club, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Club CEO, Dr. Hamad Rahma Al Falasi for their generous support and strategic partnership, and for offering the Club a place to call home.
Looking Ahead
While Banaat FC celebrate being crowned Women’s League champions, attention now turns quickly to the Cup Final against Precision FC — offering the opportunity to complete a historic double win and finish the season on the highest possible note.
