Al Ain roared back to the top of the Arabian Gulf League with a 7-0 thrashing of promoted Ajman, new Egypt recruit Hussein El Shahat notching a hat-trick and setting up two goals.
The Boss dropped off the front overnight thanks to Al Wahda’s stunning 4-3 victory against fellow title contenders Al Wasl. Spurred on by that result, the hosts at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium ran rampant and made it 18 matches undefeated in the top flight.
It took only seven minutes for the breakthrough to be found when Misr Lel Makkasa-loanee El Shahat saw his goal-bound effort deflected in off Adeilson. Sweden No9 Marcus Berg then produced his 12th goal in 14 AGL run-outs with a header into the far corner.
A smart finish from El Shahat followed, before brilliant Brazilian forward Caio produced a wonder goal from long range to make it 4-0 by the half-hour mark.
El Shahat teed up UAE youngster Rayan Yaslam for the fifth soon after the interval. The Egyptian set up coveted winter recruit Ahmed Khalil on the 76th minute before completing his trio, and the scoring, on 82 minutes.
Meanwhile, returning coach Ivan Jovanovic’s renaissance at Al Nasr continued with a fine 2-0 victory at Dibba Al Fujairah.
The decision to rehire the man sacked in October 2016 continued to bear fruit for the Blue Wave. A pair of victories have been produced in his two matches in full control – a 1-0 defeat at Wahda was recorded under caretaker, Ali Murad.
Youngster Rashid Omer opened the scoring on 41 minutes when he danced past two Fishermen defenders and hit a shot which deflected in. Right-back Ahmed Al Yassi sealed the points on 58 minutes with a powerful strike.
Floundering champions Al Jazira were given a helping hand by Yasser Abdulla’s epic own goal in a 3-1 win against bottom-placed Al Dhafra.
