Al Nasr start in style

Bani Yas - Blue Wave begin title defence with solitary goal win against Bani Yas

 Al Nasr began their Arabian Gulf Cup title defence with solitary goal win against 10-man Bani Yas at the Bani Yas Stadium in Al Shamkha on Thursday night.
The Blue Wave, who clinched a Cup double last season, also winning the President's Cup, found the match-winner through former Villarreal striker Nilmar, five minutes from the final whistle.
Bani Yas were down to 10 men for two minutes of regulation time and five minutes of stoppage after Fawaz Awana was given marching orders for a second booking.
Both sides were missing some players due to international call-ups. Bani Yas were without Amer Abdulrahman and Haboush Saleh, while Al Nasr were missing the services of goalkeeper Ahmed Shambieh, Hussain Abbas and Khalifa Mubarak.
Both sides had their fair share of opportunities in the first half but couldn't make the most of it.
Al Nasr came close on 15 minutes when Jonathan Pitroipa, formerly with Al Jazira, slipped in from the left of the box and tried to set it up for Nilmar in the middle. But the Bani Yas defence intercepted his pass and made a timely clearance.
Bani Yas went on the counter from that clearance with Ishak Belfodil leading the way. The Algerian international, who joined from Serie A club Parma, galloped down the right flank and played a one-two with former Celta Vigo striker Joaquin Larrivey.
Belfodil unleashed a fine left-footer from the tip of the box but stand-in goalkeeper Abdulla Mohammed Ghafoor did well to punch it away to safety.
Minutes later, Belfodil came close again but the former Inter Milan forward's grounder was collected by Abdulla Mohammed Ghafoor.
Most of second half too went along the same lines with Al Nasr and Bani Yas testing each other with a few forays.
Al Nasr almost came close to breaking the deadlock on 69 minutes through substitute Jires Kembo Ekoko. But the former Al Ain striker, who had come in for Jamal Maroof, flashed his shot over the cross bar.
Al Nasr kept up the pressure and increased their sorties as the half wore on with Ekoko at the centre of it.
And their efforts bore fruit with the Blue Wave clinching the match-winner, albeit, through a defensive lapse.
Mohamed Jaber fumbled with a back pass to goalkeeper Mohsin Mohamed Al Hashmi and Nilmar pounced on it before going to his right and slotting it into an open goal, with five minutes left.
And it got worse for Bani Yas with Fawaz Awana sent off after receiving a second booking. Awana had tripped Ekoko to earn a first yellow on 82 minutes after which he brought down Tariq Ahmed.
james@khaleejtimes.com