Bani Yas’ inconsistent Arabian Gulf League campaign continued after they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Emirates Club on Sunday.
The Sky Blues made it seven matches undefeated thanks to defender Yousef Jaber’s 50th minute header. Yet the achievement felt hollow as they missed the chance to close significantly on the Asian qualification spots, remaining in sixth.
The result at Bani Yas Stadium continued the Falcons’ recent upturn, going three matches without defeat after losing the previous nine. They will now look to build on the three-point gap to second-bottom Al Dhafra in the coming weeks.
It could have been more for Paulo Comelli’s men, who went ahead in the 17th minute through Jamal Maroof. The Al Nasr loanee curled in on the counter-attack after Argentine striker Joaquin Larrivey had headed against the base of the post at the other end.
Bani Yas pushed for a leveller and it finally came just after the break, Jaber nodding home on the stretch.
Winger Royston Drenthe then came close to a memorable winner for the hosts, spotting goalkeeper Ali Saqr off his line but his chip from distance was repelled away by diligent defender Helal Saeed.
