Al Dhafra suffered a 3\u20131 defeat to Baniyas in the opening round of the ADIB Cup league stage at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium.<\/p>\n
Baniyas started strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute through Saviour Godwin, who headed home from Alhassan Koroma\u2019s cross. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Rocky Chato finished well after breaking through the Al Dhafra defense.<\/p>\n
Al Dhafra responded strongly after the interval and created several opportunities to get back into the game. Baniyas’ goalkeeper made an important save to deny Samir Caetano in the 56th minute, while the Al Dhafra attack continued to apply pressure.<\/p>\n
The pressure eventually paid off in the 73rd minute when Dominic Mendy converted a penalty to reduce the deficit. Al Dhafra continued to push forward in search of an equalizer, but Baniyas secured the victory in the 87th minute through Alhassan Koroma, who struck from inside the penalty area.<\/p>\n
The match ended 3\u20131 in favor of Baniyas, leaving Al Dhafra without points after the opening round.<\/p>\n