Dubai: Former 12-time champions Al Ain scored a goal each on either side of half-time to secure a tight 2-0 away win against Emirates Club to power their way to the top of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) on Saturday.
Easily the better side, Al Ain got their opener through Rayan Aslam, youngest brother of former national team playmaker Rami, when the teenager placed past the home team goalkeeper in the 39th minute. And they doubled their advantage to pocket full points two minutes from the end when Brazilian Caio Fernandes got his first of the season when he pounced on a deflection from the Emirates goalkeeper and tapped home.
The victory saw Al Ain climb to the top of the 12-team standings with 13 points — one clear of overnight leaders Al Wahda.
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai can keep up the pressure on the leaders with an away win against Sharjah in the last Round Five match scheduled later on Saturday.
Marcus Berg was the standout player for Al Ain and should have got his name on the scoresheet on at least two occasions — the first in the eighth and then again in the 13th when his header crashed against the upright and came back into play. Ivan Hasek’s home team tried their best to pull one back but the Al Ain defence stood tall till the end.
