Al Shaab steal a point

Abu Dhabi - Substitute Salem scores the equaliser against Bani Yas

Al Shaab came back strongly after being a goal down to earn only their third point of the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League season with a 1-1 draw in an away game against Bani Yas.
The draw in Round 14 still leaves Al Shaab winless and well adrift at the bottom of the table, but represents a more positive start to the second half of the campaign. Bani Yas will consider it two points dropped at home after starting as favourites as they move onto 18 and stay seventh on the table. The teams started out well, attacking the rival citadel frequently. The deadlock was broken by a terrific chip from Ishak Belfodil in the 31st minute. Making their superior ball possession count in the first half score line, Belfodil lofted a fine finish in off the far post from Royston Drenthe's assist to give Bani Yas the lead.
There was more action as a brave save from Ismail Rabee denied Drenthe from doubling the lead right before the break, as Bani Yas protected a slender advantage despite their overwhelming superiority in possession of the ball.
Just five minutes after the restart Al Shaab felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty. Captain Michael Laurent N'dri thought he had been bundled over by Mark Milligan in the area, as the visitors began the second half with renewed energy. And they finally found success in the 57th minute as Al Shaab found an equaliser.
New signing Jose Eduardo's blocked strike falling to substitute Mohamed Salem, who planted a confident strike beyond Adel Abubaker to make it level pegging at 1-1.
A late strike from long distance by substitute Ahmed Dada was the best Bani Yas could muster in search of a winning goal, but Al Shaab held on for five minutes of stoppage time to clinch a valuable point.