Dubai United came from behind to beat Baniyas 3-2 in the Pro-League Regular Season opener on Saturday. The visitors took an early lead through a penalty, lost the advantage twice, but held on for a result that moves them into sixth place on six points. Baniyas remain winless after three matches and sit at the foot of the table.
W. Semedo struck from the spot in the third minute after M. Camara of the hosts picked up a yellow card. The away side led 1-0 until M. Name equalised for Baniyas in the 57th minute. Semedo restored Dubai United's lead in the 68th, but M. Awad found a way back into it for the hosts in the 76th minute before R. Marciano scored the winner for the visitors just a minute later.
Baniyas dominated possession at 51 per cent and registered 71 attacks compared with 55 for their visitors. They created only one big chance while Dubai United made five. The home side fired 12 shots inside the penalty area but managed just four on target, while the visitors were more efficient with four attempts on target from six shots inside the area.
Baniyas made five substitutions during the second half, bringing on D. Michel, L. Verde, F. Awana, G. Saviour, and S. Al Noobi. Dubai United responded with three changes, introducing W. Semedo, H. Yahya, and M. Hunt. The visitors also substituted M. Name and A. Al Chadli in the 69th minute.
The result means Dubai United have won two of their three matches and sit on six points in sixth place. Baniyas have played three games without a win, without a draw, and remain on zero points in 12th position. They have not won since their last match of the previous season.