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Shabab Al Ahli Dubai start new innings with hard-fought draw

Abu Dhabi - First-half goals from Sebastian Tagliabue and Makhete Diop saw the match end in a stalemate

In a highly anticipated match, new squad of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Al Wahda played out an exciting draw in the first round Group B encounter of the Arabian Gulf Cup at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
First-half goals from Sebastian Tagliabue and Makhete Diop saw the match end in a stalemate.
Al Wahda controlled the initial phase of the game. And the opening goal came in under 10 minutes. Sebastian Tagliabue, Balazs Dzsudzsak and Ismail Matar played in tandem, and scored. Veteran player Matar set it up nicely for Tagliabue to convert on the rebound from keeper and make it 1-0.
Al Wahda strikers kept making incursions and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai keeper Majed Naser had to be always at his athletic best to make the saves.
At the other end, Makhete Diop and Henrique Luvannor, in action together, were a delight to watch. And Diop found the equaliser in the additional time of first half.
It was a typical, coolly placed, goal by the Senegal star, to score first Cup goal for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.
After the break, Al Wahda's Mourad Batna, too, got in the mix and had couple of attempts on goal. However, he failed with his final touches.
Both teams searched desperately for a winner but failed. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai played a decent game in their first outing and coach Cosmin Olaroiu will be satisfied with the result. Al Wahda new coach Laurentiu Reghecampf, too, will take one point against Dubai side.
Goals:
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai: Makhete Diop (45+)
Al Wahda: Sebastian Tagliabue (10)