Al Nasr clinch six-goal thriller in Al Dhafra

Abu Dhabi - It was feisty clash that was played at high tempo and saw referee Fahad Al Kassar book seven players

Al Nasr thrashed Al Dhafra 4-2 in the opening round match of the Arabian Gulf League at the Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium on Sunday night.
Coach Ivan Jovanovic boys took out the frustrations of their AFC Champions League situation on the Abu Dhabi club. It was feisty clash that was played at high tempo and saw referee Fahad Al Kassar book seven players, including a red for Al Dhafra's Hamad Al Hammadi. As many as four penalties were awarded on the night. Al Nasr scored through three penalties from Jonathan Pitroipa, Jires Kembo and Abdelaziz Barrada, and a smashing goal from Salem Saleh. In response, Makhete Diop scored a brace for Al Dhafra.
The encounter started with flurry of attacks but not one was rewarded. Abdelaziz Barrada was fouled by midfielder Adil Hermach in the 38th minute. And Pitroipa successfully send keeper Abdullah Sultan the wrong way to make it 1-0. Four minutes later, Barrada bisected two defenders to find Salem Saleh. Keeper Sultan ran out to stop Saleh but the striker dashed through to shoot into an empty goal.
The first half, rounded up with another penalty. This time, Kembo was brought down by defender Hamad Al Hammadi. This time, however, Sultan judged correctly and dived right but was unable to stop Frenchman Kembo powerful shot. This additional time goal saw Dubai club walk into dressing room with a three-goal advantage.
The second half saw home team play with more confidence. Exactly one hour into the game, striker Makhete Diop scored in what was a bad advertisement for Al Nasr back four. Defender Essam Dhahi made a poor clearance which went straight to Omar Khribin. The Syrian hit a perfect pass that crossed three defenders and found Diop, who directed it into the left corner of the goal.
Just when Al Dhafra were building momentum, another penalty was awarded. Al Hammadi brought down Barrada and was handed a second yellow. Al Dhafra were now down to 10 men. Barrada stepped in to convert with a thunderous shot into the middle of the net.
The penalties were flowing and this time Al Dhafra benefited from it. Defender Khalifa Mubarak pinned Diop in the D area and the Senegalese star doubled his and team's tally in the 72nd minute. Some tense moments followed but Al Nasr returned home with three points.