Karim El Berkaoui struck five minutes from time as Al Dhafra came from behind to beat 10-man Hatta 2-1 at Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in Matchweek 5 of the ADNOC Pro League, securing their first win of the season.
Hatta took the lead in the 24th minute when Seifeddine Jaziri’s backheel struck the post before the ball went in off Al Dhafra goalkeeper Amjad Al Sayed.
Al Dhafra had earlier been awarded a penalty in the 20th minute, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Hatta were reduced to 10 men four minutes into the second half when Tahnoon Al Zaabi was shown a red card.
Al Dhafra quickly took advantage, with Rostand Djooh firing home the equalizer in the 57th minute.
Hatta came close to regaining the lead in the 75th minute when M. Ben Alarbi struck the post before Al Sayed saved his follow-up effort.
El Berkaoui completed the comeback in the 85th minute, scoring the winner to give Al Dhafra their first three points of the campaign.
The victory moved Al Dhafra to 11th place, while Hatta remained 12th with three points.
El Berkaoui has now scored 12 of Al Dhafra’s 29 ADNOC Pro League goals since the start of last season, accounting for 41% of the club’s total.
Send feedback
