Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: Al Ain jumped to top spot on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pro League table on Tuesday after beating Hatta 3-2 at Hatta Stadium.
The 2016 AFC Champions League runners-up drew first blood with Douglas scoring at the 28th minute, followed by Caio’s (pictured, right) contribution a few minutes later to finish the first half with a 2-0 lead.
There was more reason for joy in the Al Ain camp as Al Hatta captain Khamis Al Ajmani scored an own goal on the 80th minute to extend Al Ain’s lead. The Dubai-based club then swapped in Essa Obaid who scored on 82 minutes to cut the deficit. Five minutes into extra time, Samuel scored a penalty to cut the gap further but it was too little too late for Hatta.
Zlatko Dalic’s Al Ain remained unbeaten so far in the league with nine wins and three draws. The club have qualified for the 2017 AFC Champions League and will face Islamic Republic of Iran’s Zobahan in their first Group C fixture in February.
Photo: Lagardère Sports