Dibba Al-Hisn and Al Bataeh played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the UAE Division 1 Group A on 2026-10-11, with a stoppage-time equaliser rescuing a point for the hosts. The 21:10 kick-off produced four goals, momentum swings, and a finish that left both teams with mixed emotions in the standings.

A four-goal contest that swung both ways

Al Bataeh started the brighter of the two sides and took the lead in the 12th minute when Ivorian forward Kouassi Yao latched onto a through ball and lifted his finish over the advancing goalkeeper. Dibba Al-Hisn responded well, equalising in the 33rd minute through captain Hassan Al-Balushi, who headed home from a corner. The home side then enjoyed their best spell of the match, pressing high and forcing Al Bataeh into a series of hurried clearances.

The second half was more balanced, but Al Bataeh regained the lead in the 68th minute when Ali Al-Naqbi curled a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Dibba Al-Hisn threw numbers forward in the closing stages and were rewarded in the third minute of stoppage time. Brazilian forward Douglas found space at the back post and tapped in a low cross to make it 2-2, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Key moments

• 12' — Kouassi Yao gives Al Bataeh an early lead with a composed finish.
• 33' — Hassan Al-Balushi equalises for Dibba Al-Hisn with a powerful header.
• 56' — Al Bataeh goalkeeper makes a double save to keep the score level.
• 68' — Ali Al-Naqbi restores Al Bataeh's advantage with a fine strike.
• 90+3' — Douglas scores a dramatic late equaliser for Dibba Al-Hisn.

Tactical story

Dibba Al-Hisn's approach was built on width and set-pieces, and their equalising goal came from exactly that kind of delivery. They committed full-backs high in the second half, which left them vulnerable to Al Bataeh's counters, but it also created the pressure that eventually yielded the late goal. Al Bataeh were dangerous on the break and looked the more likely side to score a third for long periods, yet they dropped too deep after taking the lead and invited the hosts onto them.

Standout players

Douglas was the hero for Dibba Al-Hisn, not only for the late goal but for his constant movement in the final third. Hassan Al-Balushi led by example, while Al Bataeh's Ali Al-Naqbi was the game's most creative midfielder, linking play and scoring a goal of real quality. Kouassi Yao's early goal set the tone for an open contest, and both goalkeepers made important saves to keep the game alive until the final whistle.

What it means in the Group A table

The draw keeps Dibba Al-Hisn and Al Bataeh locked in a tight Group A race, with both teams showing why they are difficult to beat but also why consistency remains elusive. For Dibba Al-Hisn, the late equaliser feels like a moral victory and maintains momentum. For Al Bataeh, two dropped points will sting, especially after leading twice. In the UAE Division 1, such margins often decide promotion and relegation at the end of the season.

Both sides now turn their attention to the next round, knowing that a win would quickly change the complexion of the standings. This 2-2 draw was a reminder that in Group A, no lead is truly safe until the final whistle.