Suhail Al Noobi and Joao Pedro netted a brace each as Bani Yas thrashed Al Ain 4-1 at home in matchweek 8 of the Arabian Gulf League, which is being held amid patriotic atmosphere as it coincides with the UAE's 49th National Day.
Bani Yas needed only two minutes to open the scoring as Joao Pedro connected to a cross from the right side to tap the ball home in the second minute of the game.
They doubled the scoreline in the 5th minute as Nicolas Gimenez’ effort was blocked by the Al Ain keeper Khalid Eisa, before Suhail Al Noobi latched on the rebound to hand his side an early 2-0 advantage.
Al Ain came close to reducing the deficit four minutes later, when Laba Kodjo’s effort went wide. The Boss threatened once more, as Wilson Eduardo’s strike went inches wide of goal.
On the other side of the pitch, Gastón Suarez forced Khalid Eisa into a fine save just after the half-hour mark. After his heroic save, Eisa cost his side a goal, as Al Noobi tapped the ball past the outrushing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Al Ain reduced the deficit 20 minutes before the break off a cross from Wilson Eduardo that nestled directly into the back of the net to make it 3-1. The Boss thought they netted a second three minutes later, but it was ruled out for a handball after reviewing the VAR.
It was Bani Yas, however, who found the back of the net just before full time, as Joao Pedro dribbled past Al Ain defenders and slotted the ball home to put the three points beyond any doubt.
Bani Yas raised their tally to 13 points, one behind Al Ain who sit in fourth place.
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