Youssouf Niakhaté rescues Baniyas with dramatic draw against Al Bataeh

The 23rd day of the United Arab Emirates’ Professional First Division Championship, Baniyas managed to salvage a draw against Al Bataeh, courtesy of a stellar performance by Malian international Youssouf Niakhaté.

Facing Al Bataeh on home turf, Baniyas exhibited resilience, holding their opponents to a 3-3 draw. The highlight of the match came from Niakhaté, whose brace proved instrumental in securing a vital point for his team.

Despite Al Bataeh’s efforts, goals from Seferi in the 62nd minute and Niakhaté in the 57th and 93rd minutes ensured parity on the scoreboard, nullifying the strikes from Abang, Paulinho, and Hammadi.

Niakhaté’s near miss for a hat-trick, with one of his attempts striking the crossbar, showcased his attacking prowess, bringing his tally to 4 goals in 12 league matches this season.

The draw not only halted Baniyas’ recent string of defeats but also injected a sense of optimism into the team, currently positioned 10th in the standings with 23 points.

Niakhaté’s standout performance is likely to capture the attention of Mali Eagles coach Eric Chelle, as the national team prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Looking ahead, Baniyas, led by the influential Niakhaté, will face Shabab Al-Ahly in their next fixture, aiming to build on the momentum garnered from their hard-fought draw.

As the season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Niakhaté, whose skill and determination continue to make him a pivotal figure for both club and country.