It was another blistering week in the UAE FA Academy League, with a number of top teams in action in high-stakes matches across the country.
In a highly aniticipated match, du LaLiga HPC’s U14s took on City FC at The Sevens in Dubai. Right from the off both teams were in an attacking mood, with fast paced runs and pin-point passes.
The attempts on goal came thick and fast from both sides, but it was City FC’s Mathew Campbell who opened the scoring just four minutes into the match. City maintained the pressure and just five minutes later found the back of the net again.
After 12 minutes du LaLiga pulled a goal back when a foul in the box saw them awarded a penalty which Mahmoud Yazan stepped up to put away with composure.
The goals continued to come, and City FC's 13-year-old Owen Meisonnave made it 3-1 after a strong run down the wing. Just two minutes later du LaLiga HPC halved the deficit with a slick counterattack which meant the first half end 2-3 to City FC.
The second half opened with the same intensity as the first h with du LaLiga HPC’s Mohamed Sabri scoring the equalizing goal on 41 minutes with a rapid run down the wing. However the three points headed home with City FC, who reacted in style to the du LaLiga equaliser taking the final score to 3-4.
In other U14 category matches, Al Jazira hosted Asateer where the teams were equally matched. A single goal scored by Al Jazira’s Abdulla Khamis that gave them all three points with a 1-0 win.
In the U16 category, du LaLiga HPC hosted City FC White in a tough match with du LaLiga HPC’s relentless attempts on goal coming to no fruition. City FC was able to find one opportunity to counterattack and take the win 1-0. du LaLiga HPC however, still held their spot on the top of the table with a 5-point goal difference.
In the U18 category, matches were hosted in Abu Dhabi with Al Jazira facing off against Regional Sport in an intense match with one of the top scorers in the league to date, Slimane Ahmed from Al Jazira, opening the scoring four minutes into the match.
Regional Sport put the pressure back on in the second half with an equalizing goal on the 38 minute mark as pressure mounted on both sides. It was Al Jazira who scored the winning goal to take the match 2-1.
In the other U18 match, ZSC Academy hosted City FC and took the points with a 3-0 win.