Al Ain lead Group A with derby victory

Abu Dhabi:  Al Ain won the Abu Dhabi derby defeating Al Wahda 2-0 yesterday in the ongoing Etisalat Cup to head Group A, followed by Bani Yas in second place with the same number of points after beating Al Nasr 2-1.

In Group B, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli settled for a 1-1 draw in Kalba.

Even without the UAE's international players, the Derby between Al Wahda and Al Ain came as a thrilling and competitive encounter and while both teams failed to have fruitful ends for their attacking efforts in the first half, Al Ain were more accurate and fortunate to have scored twice in the second half.

Argentinean striker Jose Sand, who did not take part in the encounter in the fourth week of the UAE Pro-League which ended in a goalless tie, started scoring in the 52nd minute, capitalising on a blunder when the defenders failed to pass the ball back to Ali Al Housani.

Their custodian and bay young substitute Bandar added yet another defensive mistake in the last minute of regular playing time.

Al Wahda tried to change the result but they lacked the final finishing touch while Al Ain were more dangerous with Rami Yaslam hitting the post and Abdul Aziz Fayez missing a sitter which could have doubled the score.