Al Ain soccer squad started their campaign in the 18th GCC clubs league winners championship with a 2-1 victory over Rifa'a of Bahrain in the opening match at Qattara stadium yesterday.

The opening ceremony of the tourney started earlier and continued for one hour including folklore dances, songs hailing the safe return of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan along with fireworks.

Al Ain and the Bahrain side played a lacklustre affair in the first half as both failed to demonstrate convincing display and find the target. Adil Marzouq, captain of Al Rifa'a was the first to find the net but his weak shot rebounded off the right post only three minutes into the match.

Salim Jawhar from the hosts team replied with a fierce cracker that was barely saved by the loser's goalie. The two teams continued their balanced performance with Al Ain creating a lot of chances but all their efforts were in vain.

The winners played the first session without their dangerous attackers before Mahboob fielding the team's first choice Majed Al Owais on resumption. The team depended mainly on their mid fielders to attack the rivals goal.

Al Rifa'a tried hard to hit Al Ain's net but goalkeeper Motaz Abdullah made good saves to deprive the Bahrainis some scoring chances specially a perfect header sent by Rashid Jamal in the 13th minute and the rocket-like shot from Ibrahim Al Moshakhas six minutes later.

Substitute Al Owais strengthened the front line of the winners after the break. Subait Khatir mid fielder of the host team put Al Ain on the lead only eight minutes after the breather. He collected the ball at the edge of the box, rounded two players before sending the ball into the right hand corner.

Inspired by this goal, Al Ain took the upper hand creating more opportunities but could not score. Substitute Humaid Darwish of Bahrain equalised the score eight minutes before time but Salim Jawhar of Al Ain team sent a perfect cracker off a stand ball that was deflected by a defender into the goal giving his team valuable three points.

Meanwhile, Khalid Musaad of Ahli of Saudi Arabia have signed a contract with Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia for two seasons yesterday. The contract amounts to half a million Riyal and a 20,000 Riyal as a monthly salary as stated by the clubs sources currently taking part in the 18th GCC league winners championship.