The Cambridge High School inflicted a first defeat on leaders Abu Dhabi Indian School in the Emirates Islamic NSL Football Under-16 league to continue their revival.
Goalkeeper Ahmed Bahaa was at the heart of their impressive 3-0 triumph in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, putting together a string of fine saves as well as scoring one of the goals that secured their second straight win following two opening defeats.
Ahmad Mohamed and Khaled Al Ruwahi also netted for Cambridge.
“Saving goals and scoring them doesn’t usually happen, so it was very special,” said the stopper, who was named man-of-the-match.
“I just gave him (the other ‘keeper) a look, but it was a bit lucky.”
Coach Olaf Gomez added: “We’re getting better. We lost our first two so now it’s two wins in a row. Abu Dhabi Indian School were on top so we gave them a tough time.
“I really wouldn’t predict we’ll win the tournament, we’ll take it one step at a time, but I want the boys to enjoy themselves and have fun.”
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In the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain U-14s section, Al Yasmina School warmed up for their titanic tussle with rivals Al Bateen Secondary School next week with a 5-0 win against Rawafed Private School, their fourth straight victory.
Yazan Al Absi and Aidan Ball both scored twice and also added an assist, with Jimmy Alley also on the scoresheet.
Head coach Joseph Alley is excited about next week’s clash between two teams likely to feature at the business end of the tournament.
“It’s a big game next week. We’ll have our work cut out, but we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
“We lost quite heavily last time but we’ve got a few different players and have a point to prove. We’ve had a few big scorelines but it will be a proper test next week.
“Both teams take their football seriously but we’ve got goals all over the pitch so we’ve got a chance. Whoever plays the best on the day will win.”
Man-of-the-match Al Absi added: “It’s not only me, it’s the whole team. I don’t deserve this award alone, it’s for the whole team.
“We’re first and we’re hopefully going to win the tournament.”
