Al Bataeh Forces Deciding Match in UAE Futsal League Final with 5-4 Home Victory over Khorfakkan
Al Bataeh forced a deciding match in the UAE Futsal League final after a dramatic 5-4 second-leg win over Khorfakkan, setting up a winner-takes-all encounter. The result in the UAE Futsal League final levels the series after Khorfakkan won the opening game on penalties. A decisive match will now determine the champion at Al Bataeh Club.
Thrilling Second-Leg at Al Bataeh Hall
The second-leg final played at Al Bataeh’s indoor hall produced a high-scoring, high-stakes contest that kept supporters on edge until the final whistle. Al Bataeh prevailed 5-4 in a game that featured shifting momentum, intense defending, and late drama that swung the tie back to level terms. With both teams having registered a win each, the clash now requires only a single victory in the decisive fixture to lift the UAE Futsal League trophy.
Key Moments and Goals
Al Bataeh’s attack was spearheaded by Brazilian forward Hajo Santos, who completed a hat-trick with goals in the 28th, 33rd and 38th minutes. Gustavo Martinez contributed an early strike in the 15th minute, and local player Abdullah Al Falasi opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Khorfakkan replied through Lucas Gustavo in the 16th minute and Khalid Al Shawkah, who netted twice in the 21st and 22nd minutes; Mark Comias added a late goal in the 39th minute to keep his side in contention.
The sequence of goals reflected rapid changes in control, with both sides trading chances and answers in quick succession. The timing of the strikes—particularly Khorfakkan’s quick double through Khalid Al Shawkah—kept the match finely balanced before Al Bataeh’s late surge put them ahead.
Discipline and Match Intensity
The fixture’s intensity was underscored by a high number of cautions and a late dismissal, a sign of how much was at stake for both clubs. Referees issued a total of 17 yellow cards between the two sides, and Al Bataeh were reduced to ten men after Abdullah Shahdadi received a red card in the 38th minute. The dismissal came shortly after Al Bataeh had sealed their third goal and added an extra layer of tension as the clock wound down.
Match officials were kept busy managing physical challenges and heated exchanges, and the disciplinary count underlined the match’s competitive edge. The combination of fast-paced futsal play and aggressive defending produced several stoppages and tactical resets that shaped the final stages.
Coaches’ Comments and Stakes Ahead
Al Bataeh coach Adnan Al Holli described the game as technically strong and fitting of a UAE Futsal League final, praising both teams for their quality and resilience. He emphasized that his side produced a commendable performance to secure passage to the deciding match and reiterated the team’s ambition to retain the title. Al Holli added that the next game will demand greater focus and preparation, and confirmed his squad will be ready.
Khorfakkan’s camp, while disappointed, still enters the final with full belief, knowing a single victory will deliver the championship. Both coaching staffs face selection and tactical decisions in the coming days, with defensive organization, set-piece execution, and player discipline likely to be decisive factors in the deciding match.
Crowd, Atmosphere and Home Advantage
The match attracted a sizeable crowd with strong representation from both fan bases, though supporters of Khorfakkan appeared numerically prominent. The venue’s atmosphere was electric throughout, with chants, flags and bursts of noise following each goal and contentious refereeing decision. Home advantage at Al Bataeh Club will be a talking point ahead of the decisive fixture, as local backing can prove influential in tight finals.
Supporter behaviour remained largely passionate rather than hostile, and organisers reported an orderly event despite the on-court tensions. The visible fan interest highlighted the growing local appetite for futsal and the increasing profile of the UAE Futsal League.
What Comes Next
A single, winner-takes-all match will now settle the championship, scheduled to take place at Al Bataeh Club on Saturday. Both sides need only a victory in that match to claim the UAE Futsal League title, and preparations will be intensive in the short turnaround. Expect heightened tactical focus, recovery plans for key players and an emphasis on discipline to avoid another costly sending-off.
The deciding game promises to draw attention from across the domestic futsal community, with the title outcome hinging on which team can best manage nerves, convert chances and maintain composure under the amplified pressure of a final that leaves no margin for error.
Al Bataeh’s 5-4 win has restored equilibrium to the final, setting the stage for a conclusive encounter that will crown the 2025–26 UAE Futsal League champion.