Al Ain fought back from 2-0 down to rescue a point from a 2-2 draw with Al Jazira in their Arabian Gulf Cup opener.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi looked to be on course for all three points in Group B last night as they led thanks to first half goals from former Juventus frontman Mirko Vucinic and Brazilian summer signing Thiago Neves.
The Boss, however, struck twice in nine second half minutes, the first from summer signing Ryan Babel’s penalty following Juma Abdulla’s pull in the box, the other from Emirati striker Saeed Al Kathiri’s bullet header.
There were goals and cards galore at Al Nahyan Stadium where Sebastian Tagliabue’s hat-trick rescued a point for Al Wahda in a 3-3 draw with Fujairah. As well as three goals apiece, each team also finished with 10 men.
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Hassan Maatouk fired the visitors in front after just seven minutes, Tagliabue responding just before half-time from the penalty spot.
Patrick Eze’s quickfire double then put Fujairah in the driving seat before Ivan Hasek’s men were reduced to 10 men with Abdulaziz Ismaeil receiving a straight red.
Wahda instantly capitalised, Tagliabue again netting from the spot in the 70th minute. Five minutes later it was all square, Tagliabue completing his hat-trick as he volleyed in substitute Khalid Bawazir’s cross.
The drama was still not complete, however, as Salem Sultan also departed after collecting two bookings. Al Wasl eased to a 2-0 win at home against newly-promoted Al Shaab thanks to goals from new signing Edgar Bruno and Yaser Salem.
