Al Ain enjoyed a first home win as Arabian Gulf Leaue champions when Jires Kembo Ekoko struck the only goal against Bani Yas.
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The Boss secured their third top-flight crown in four seasons a fortnight ago, yet they had to wait until last night to enjoy a run out at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
A shaken-up starting line-up in view of Wednesday’s AFC Champions League Group B decider against Naft Tehran failed to fire for long spells against opponents buoyed by two successive wins.
It was left to forward Kembo Ekoko to make the difference once more, the forward drilling home his fourth goal in five matches on 52 minutes following a deft giveand-go with Rashed Essa.
The visiting Sky Blues rarely threatened, centre-back Angel Dealbert heading over their best opportunity.
Meanwhile, Al Nasr’s season is ending on a positive note after they thrashed bottom-placed Ittihad Kalba 3-0 to secure a second-successive victory.
The Blue Wave had an Ibrahima Toure-brace and Pablo Hernandez to thank for the win against their deflated opponents.
The result saw them move ahead of Al Ahli into fifth place, a spot which could yet secure GCC Club Cup qualification if they are not able to hold onto their Asian title.
They went ahead soon after the break, Senegal striker Toure looping in a header. Al Arabi loanee Hernandez then curled in the second, before Toure made it 17 top-flight goals for the season with a low shot.
