Al Dhafra and Al Bataeh played out a hard-fought draw in Matchweek 16 of the ADNOC Pro League on Friday at Khalid Bin Mohammed Stadium, in a contest shaped by penalties, late drama, and VAR intervention.
The hosts struck first in the 28th minute when Karim El Berkaoui calmly converted from the spot, sending the ball beyond the reach of Al Bataeh’s goalkeeper to hand Al Dhafra a deserved early advantage.
Al Bataeh pushed for a response before the break, going close through Edilson Alberto, whose effort in the 40th minute flashed just wide of the post as the visitors searched for parity.
The equaliser arrived shortly after the hour mark. Seven minutes into the second half, Alvaro De Oliveira stepped up and converted from the penalty spot, restoring balance and setting up a tense finish.
Late drama followed as Marcelo Filho looked to have snatched all three points for Al Dhafra with a strike in the dying moments, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review, ensuring the points were shared.
The result leaves Al Dhafra in 10th place on 17 points, while Al Bataeh remain 12th with 13 points after a fiercely contested encounter.
Send feedback
