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Al Ain outplay Al Wasl

In Abu Dhabi, Bani Yas claimed their first win at their new venue after a resounding 4-1 victory against visitors Al Dhafra.

“I’m truly delighted to have this strong start,” said Al Ain local coach Abdul Hamid Ahmed who took over from outgoing Brazilian manager Cerezo.

“I would like to thank the players and faithful fans. They did very well and I believe all the club’s woes are now over,” the former international forward said.

“Al Ain is a big team and we have every chance to return to form at any time. We have been only unlucky during the AFC Champions League campaign and we lost some of the games that would have been won with a little tactical work on and off the pitch,” he added.

However, the defeat is a big blow for Al Wasl’s Brazilian manager Alexandre Guimaraes who’s preparing the squad for the second leg of the Gulf Clubs Championship against Qatar’s Qatar on Sunday.

Al Wasl drew their away game 2-2, but they will play without their fans due to the decision of the AGCC Higher Organising Committee in the wake of Al Wasl’s chaotic home clash against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nasr last weekend.

Meanwhile, Saif Mohammed put Al Ain ahead after a lovely one-two with Shehab Ahmed in the 19^th minute of the first half. But Tareq Hassan levelled the result in the 59^th minute before Jose Sand scored from the spot in the 59^th minute to make it 2-1 for Al Ain. Jorge Valdivia headed home the third goal in the injury time of the fast-paced match.

In another clash, and contrary to the run of the game, hosts Bani Yas beat Al Dhafra 4-1 in a dramatic encounter. Diarra drew first blood for the home team in the 53^rd minute and Andre Senghore doubled the score-line five minutes later before he completed a double at the hour mark. Towards the 85^th minute, Mohammed Salem reduced the deficit to 1-3 with a lucky rebound, but Diarra came with a strong run to increase the advantage to 4-1 three minute into injury time.

With this result promoted Bani Yas settled in the fourth position five points behind the third-placed Al Ain. And although they have pulled out of the chase for the title, they are eyeing a dream line-up in the continent’s premier tournament the AFC Champions League which is open for the first three finishers in the UAE Football League.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com