Al Nasr edge past Dibba

Dubai - An outstanding save from Humaid Abdulla in dying minutes prevented the visitors from getting further ahead through young substitute Jassim Yaqoob.

By Hisham Al Gizouli

Published: Sat 24 Oct 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 25 Oct 2015, 12:45 PM

Front runners Al Nasr reversed their early 0-1 deficit into a narrow 2-1 away victory over hosts Dibba in the fifth round of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) at the Fujairah Stadium on Friday. Boris Kabi put the home team ahead in the second minute, but Salem Saleh levelled in 56th minute and Ekoko fired home the winner in 78th minute.
An outstanding save from Humaid Abdulla in dying minutes prevented the visitors from getting further ahead through young substitute Jassim Yaqoob.
"It was a very tough encounter," said Al Nasr's substitute forward Salem Saleh. "Dibba is always difficult to tame," he added.
"All leading clubs have been suffering when they play Dibba and all their matches are closely contested," he said.
"After conceding the first goal, we were forced to attack and this in turn has created plenty of spaces in our rear flank.
"During the half -time, the coach has managed to rectify some of the mistakes and we were able to make a strong come back to the match. The full points of the clash were very crucial for us to improve our chances in the chase for the title," he concluded.
Al Nasr are now the temporary leaders with 14 points.
Meanwhile, Dibba's forward Ahmed Ibrahim who was sent in to replace Mohammed Ali in the 81st minute admitted that it was a painful defeat. "We have lost a match which we could have won. I think we always need a touch of luck," he added.