Group A leaders Al Ain sink Dubai in Etisalat Cup

Dubai: Group A leaders Al Ain overcame a challenge from third place Dubai to win 2-1 in the ninth round of the Etisalat Cup yesterday night at Dubai Sports and Cultural Club.

The visitors got the better of a dire first half thanks to a lone goal on 45 minutes after a Bandar Mohammad right cross touched down by Juma Saeed fell directly into the path of Saif Mohammad on six yards who tapped it into a vacant pocket to the left of Sami Anbar.

It made up for Mohanad Salem's weak flicking header on 35 minutes from a Bandar Mohammad right corner, which whisked beyond the back post.

Opener advanatge

The psychological advantage of their pre-interlude opener didn't last long for Al Ain after a dipping lob from Dubai's Haitham Rabie in midfield was brought down and converted on 53 minutes by Abou Baca Camara.

His first touch was put beyond the grip of keeper Brahima Keita on 18 yards and his second evaded the two centre-backs leaving Keita to trickle home an intricate equaliser under the guise of a defensive howler.

Line cleared off

Bitter, Al Ain had a Bandar Mohammad effort cleared off the line from a Kazem Ali diving header on 62 minutes and on 68 minutes regained control via Bandar Mohammad's follow-up to Saif Mohammad's spilled one-on-one with Dubai keeper Anbar.

The win extended new coach Alexandre Gallo's unbeaten run to three cup matches, but the Brazilian will now look to convert this form to the Pro League where the Garden City loiter in an uncharacteristic tenth — cup-wise leading their group on 19 points Al Ain can start to book hotels for the semi-final.