Veteran substitute Ibrahim Diaky showcased his enduring value to Arabian Gulf League-champions Al Ain on Saturday when a late brace off the bench earned a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Al Dhafra.
The visitors to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium got off to a flying start when ex-UAE forward Ahmed Ali stroked a composed shot into the top corner during the ninth minute.
In the absence of Sweden No9 Marcus Berg, who was a late withdrawal through illness, the title holders initially failed to live up to their vaunted billing after the international break.
A damaging defeat appeared on the cards, prior to Diaky’s game-changing interventions.
The 36-year-old midfielder first connected with Egypt international Hussein El Shahat’s low centre with less than 10 minutes remaining. He then capitalised on a defensive error on 87 minutes to head into an empty net on 87 minutes.
Meanwhile, 10-man Al Jazira survived a late scare against promoted Fujairah to earn a thrilling 3-2 triumph.
Brazilian forward Leonardo finished with aplomb on 37 minutes for the hosts at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Soon after the interval, UAE goalkeeper Ali Khaseif was dismissed for a late challenge.
But this didn’t stop Whites predator Ali Mabkhout’s controlled shot and goalkeeper Saleh Rabee own goal from making it 3-0.
Algerian forward Mohammed Beneyttou lashed in from close range on 87 minutes and then won a penalty that he converted, but these interventions came too late in proceedings.
Diaky Gives A Lesson To Young Players.. @ZoranM_official : Wondering why International Players didn’t Play well following the end of UAE international team training camp!!!#alainclub @alainfcae pic.twitter.com/FUR3ejSQKh
— Al Ain FC - EN (@alainfcae_en) September 15, 2018
Meanwhile, coach Jose Luis Sierra earned his first Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club win as Ajman were downed 3-1.
Defender Mohamed Jaber’s scrappy goal opened the scoring just before the break for the vaunted visitors to Rashid bin Saeed Stadium. But the hosts levelled soon after the interval through Morocco midfielder Adel Hermach’s calm finish after another penalty-box scramble.
Shabab Al Ahli were undaunted, however, and fierce efforts from summer additions Emiliano Vecchio and Jaime Ayovi sealed the victory.
ROUND 2 – RESULTS
Friday
Ittihad Kalba 2-0 Emirates Club
Dibba Al Fujairah 1-4 Al Wahda
Bani Yas 1-1 Al Wasl
Sharjah 6-3 Al Nasr
Saturday
Al Ain 2-1 Al Dhafra
Al Jazira 3-2 Fujairah
Ajman 1-3 Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club
