Al Ahli begin title defence with notable win

Al Nasr succumb to surprise defeat against Ittihad Kalba as UAE Beach Soccer League gets under way

Al Ahli began the defence of their crown on a winning note with a 7-4 victory over Ajman Club, while President?s Cup winners Al Nasr fell to a 1-2 defeat against Ittihad Kalba in the opening round of the UAE Beach Soccer League at the Al Mamzar Beach Park.

Portuguese striker Belchior slammed in five goals for the winners while Hassan Ali and Kamal Ali added one each to have Al Ahli dominating their opponents in the league?s first match. After Madjer?s partner opened the score, and awaited for Kamal?s 2-0 before unleashing all his powder for the 6-0, the match was already decided for current title holders.

Hassan Ali could pull one back for Ajman, but that was never enough to upset Al Ahli, who ended up seizing the first points at stake with a final result of 7-4. 

In turn, Al Shabab also commenced their campaign on an emphatic note with a 12-2 mauling of helpless Dibba Al Hisn.

Khalid Abdul Rahman scored two goals each in the first and third periods, while Mohammad Ismail, Yousuf Bilal and Khalid Abbas had a brace apiece and Zaid Abdo and Hassan Ali got their name on the stats once for the winners. On the other end, hard-working Obaid Rashid was the lone scorer for the visitors with goals in the first and second periods of play.

In the later matches of the round, Ittihad Kalba edged Al Nasr, who had to play without key players following a series of red card offences during last month?s ill-tempered Super Cup match against arch-rivals Al Ahli.

In the last of the fixtures, Al Wasl opened their campaign on a winning note, too, with a 4-2 victory against Fujairah Club.

The 2013 UAE Beach Soccer League is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council.

Results:
Al Ahli 7-4Ajman Club
Al Shabab 12-2Dibba Al Hosn
Ittihad Kalba 2-1 Al Nasr
Al Wasl 4-2Fujairah Club