Ismail Matar starred as Al Wahda earned a 6-0 win over Hatta at Al Nahyan Stadium on Friday night in the opening matchweek of the Arabian Gulf League held under the slogan “commit to win”.
The home side got off to a flying start and were already 2-0 up only 15 minutes into the game. Just four minutes after kick-off, veteran forward Ismail Matar dribbled past the defenders inside the box and squared the ball to Slovenian forward Tim Matavž, who headed the ball home.
This marked Al Wahda’s fastest goal in an opening game in the Arabian Gulf League.
Just before the quarter-hour mark, Al Wahda doubled their lead through Fares Juma. A cross from Tahnoon Al Zaabi found Juma inside the box, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
To add salt to injury, Hatta were reduced to 10 men in the 27th minute, when Eisa Ahmed was shown a red card for a dangerous play against Al Zaabi.
Just when it seemed that Al Wahda will be heading into half time with a 2-0 lead, Matavž completed his brace in injury time to put his side 3-0 up. In a repeat to the first goal, Matar sent an accurate through pass to Matavž inside the box and the Slovenian forward slotted home.
The Clarets continued to pile up the pressure in the second half and were eventually able to net their fourth of the night. Following a defensive error, the ball fell to Al Zaabi and he made no mistake scoring into an open net.
Ten minutes from time, Al Wahda were awarded a penalty kick and Matar scored from the spot to finally get his name on the scoresheet and put his side 5-0 up.
The home side were awarded another penalty and Congolese forward Paul-José M'Poku stepped up and found the back of the net to make it 6-0 for Al Wahda.
Al Wahda will next travel to face titleholders Sharjah on Thursday, while Hatta will host Al Wasl.
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