Ishak Belfodil and Mark Milligan netted within four first-half minutes as Bani Yas came from 1-0 down to beat Al Wasl 2-1 in Dr Abdullah Misfer’s first game since replacing Spaniard Luis Garcia.
Fabio de Lima had opened the scoring for the visiting Cheetahs but former UAE U-19 and U-23 coach Misfer enjoyed a perfect start to life in charge of the Sky Blues.
De Lima controlled a cross-field pass before skipping into the box and beating Mohsin Mohamed after 25 minutes but Australia international Milligan equalised six minutes before the break, volleying into the roof of the net following Belfodil’s blocked header.
And it was the Algeria forward who scored the winner minutes later, tapping in Joaquin Larrivey’s fine low cross. It’s a result that could have huge implications in the race for AFC Champions League qualification.
Wasl are third but will be overtaken by Al Wahda if they either win or draw at home to Emirates Club on Saturday.
In Friday night’s other game, Dibba took a huge step towards survival as they thrashed neighbours Fujairah 4-0.
Ahmed Ibrahim made the breakthrough on the stroke of halftime for the hosts. Fujairah’s cause was not helped by Ibrahim Alalawi’s dismissal in the 59th minute and Ibrahim gave his side a two goal cushion just past the hour mark.
Bakary Kone sealed the match in the 70th minute and Brahima Diakite compounded Fujairah’s misery seven minutes later to make it 4-0.
