Dubai: The Khamis Al Mazeina Team, represented by Dubai Police, finally managed to get their hands on the title with a gutsy 2-1 win over Bin Darwish in the final of the seventh Maktoum Bin Rashid Football Championship that concluded at the Dubai Police Officers Club late on Wednesday.
Khamis Al Mazeina’s early aggressive approach paid off as they scored two quick goals in their first two moves of the final. In the 16th minute, stand-in goalkeeper Ahmad Hussain was given a straight red for handling outside the area and the hosts were down by a man. They conceded a goal, but eventually managed to hold on to their slender advantage and win the crown for the first time in three attempts.
Last year and in 2015, the Khamis Al Mazeina Team had to stay content with third place. “This year we wanted this trophy so badly. And it didn’t look like luck was with us after our goalkeeper was sent off. But then, our boys played as a team and we won against a very good side,” Mohammad Ali Shah, later voted as best coach, told Gulf News.
The Khamis Al Mazeina Team went clear in the very second minute when top-scorer Walid Ahmad Hassan volleyed home a long ball from his captain Abdullah Darwish Ali. Two minutes later, Mohammad Obaid Mohammad’s long-ranger from the half-line caught young Abdullah Al Ghoumaish by surprise as the hosts led 2-0 with four minutes gone.
However, Salim Saeed curled in a beauty past Ahmad Hussain, who was standing in place of the injured Mohammad Al Bahri. Two minutes later, Hussain was given a straight red for handling by referee Ahmad Essa and Al Bahri had to enter the field with a heavily strapped ankle for the remainder of the match.
Given a one-man advantage, Bin Darwish mounted a series of attacks on the Khamis Al Mazeina goal, but the defence line and Al Bahri ensured no further goals in the second half for a well-earned victory. “This tournament is close to our hearts and we played with our hearts tonight in memory of the late Khamis Al Mazeina,” skipper Abdullah Darwish Ali related.
“By far this was among the toughest matches I have played in my career as besides being one man short, we had to also put up with this humid weather. We desperately wanted to win this trophy and finally we have done so,” he added.
Hatta player Badr Abdul Rahman, who was playing for Bin Darwish was proud of the way they had reached the final. “We had nothing to lose tonight and my heartiest congratulations to the Khamis Al Mazeina Team. They deserved to win the Cup,” he said.
“We have a good unit and hopefully, we will be back next year to try and win this one,” he added.
Mohammad Saeed Al Marri, Director of Community Service, Dubai Police was joined by Tournament Director Tariq Al Rumaithi in handing over the trophies and individual awards to the winners.
RESULTS & AWARDS
Final: Khamis Al Mazeina Team bt Bin Darwish 2-1; Third Place: Joma bt Mohammad Bin Ali Team 3-2.
Best Goalkeeper: Mohammad Al Bahri (Khamis Al Mazeina Team); Best Player: Mohammad Qasim (Bin Darwish); Topscorer of the Tournament: Walid Ahmad Hassan (Khamis Al Mazeina Team); Best Coach: Mohammad Ali Shah.
