Baniyas made a winning start to their 2026/27 ADIB Cup campaign with a convincing 1-3 victory over Al Dhafra at Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium in the opening round of the competition.

The Sky Blues made a bright start to the contest and quickly established their presence, with Saviour Godwin opening the scoring in the 9th minute after meeting a cross with a well-directed header into the back of the net.

Baniyas maintained their organised approach and continued to create opportunities as they looked to extend their advantage. Their efforts were rewarded in the 43rd minute, when Rocky Marciano Tchato found the net from inside the penalty area to double the lead and send the Sky Blues into the break with a 2-0 advantage.

Al Dhafra looked to respond after the restart and increased their attacking pressure. The hosts were eventually awarded a penalty following a VAR review, with Dominique Mendy converting from the spot in the 73rd minute to reduce the deficit.

Baniyas remained composed and well organised despite Al Dhafra's attempts to find an equaliser, while continuing to exploit spaces going forward in search of a decisive third goal.

In the 87th minute, Alhassan Koroma sealed the victory for the Sky Blues with a powerful finish, restoring the two-goal advantage and putting the result beyond doubt.

Baniyas managed the remaining minutes effectively until the final whistle, securing a 1-3 victory and making a positive start to their ADIB Cup campaign.

The result gives Baniyas their first three points of the competition, providing the team with valuable momentum as they look ahead to the upcoming rounds.