Dubai: Ramy Hatem and Dris Matni both got first half goals to give the visiting duFC elite team a winning start in their four-match international friendly tour to Spain.
After some exciting moments early in the first half, the visiting du FC elite team went ahead after Yahya Iraqi set up Hatem for the first goal in the 35th minute.
Seven minutes later, Hatem turned provider as he passed on to an unmarked Matni to give the visitors a 2-0 lead before half-time.
Granada pulled one back midway through the second half, but the UAE team managed to hold on till the end for a well-deserved win.
As many as 7,117 boys and girls from 11 to 17 years, comprising of 657 teams, had participated in the du Football Champions scouting platform in partnership with La Liga.
The du Football Champions seeks to create a breeding ground to enable youth from across the UAE to pursue international football careers.
While in Spain, coaches from La Liga have been invited to attend training and matches to scout for talent from the duFC elite team.
La Liga head coach Rafael Gil said: “We have been working with these talented players since March and today we are very proud of their performance. They have worked hard, stayed focused and learnt a lot in a short time which has led to a tremendous result. Based on today’s level, I am certain that we will see more victories in the coming days.”
Team captain Mohammad Bouherefa was overwhelmed after the match. “Today, I truly felt what it means to be a professional footballer. It is not just being there on the pitch, but all eleven players being together with one single goal in our minds and as one team. Winning today means everything to us and we are more motivated for the next match,” he said.
The duFC team’s second match was scheduled to be played against Cordoba CF on Friday, followed by their penultimate game against Malaga CF on Saturday.
