Fleetwood United started their two-legged play-off on Friday evening as they managed to beat Sport Support 2-1 at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi.
It was a quick start to the game from the Dubai Cods as they found themselves ahead just five minutes in after Samuel Essome Njangui put the ball past Emmanuel Crayner to make it 1-0.
It wasn’t long until Fleetwood doubled their lead through captain Ibrahima Badji, who scored his second goal of the season from the back.
The home side then pulled one back three minutes before the breakthrough Ndiaw Diop and that saw a tactical switch in United’s play as they then looked to hold onto their lead, which they did.
The second leg takes place on Sunday 8 May, with Fleetwood current having a lead and two away goals into the tie, which will be played at home at Dubai Sports City.
United XI: Kouassi (GK), Badji (C), Doukoure, Noumonvi, Dieng, Bouda (Nkoulou 71’), Ebale, Njangui, Ndiaye (Dosso 71’), Delord, Bamba.