Shabab dispatch Al Ain to maintain early 100% AGC record

Barnaby Read 22:39 04/09/2015
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  • Jo scored both goals for Shabab.

    Al Shabab made it two wins from two in Group A of the Arabian Gulf Cup after a come from behind 2-1 victory over Al Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Friday.

    Shabab expertly countered Al Ain and clinically put the match to bed thanks to a brace of headers from former Manchester City forward Jo after Myeong-Ju Lee’s opener.

    — Al Ain FC – EN (@alainfcae_en) September 4, 2015

    It was Zlatko Dalic’s men who looked to be coasting to victory, however, with Shabab handing them a deserved first-half lead on 40 minutes.

    Having turned over possession outside their own 18-yard box, Shabab’s defence lacked composure and Mohamed Ali’s weak back pass played in Saeed Al Kathiri.

    The Boss’ frontman then squared for South Korean Lee who gleefully tapped home from 12 yards out.

    Usually known for his work in front of the back four it was a welcome goal for Lee and just his fourth for the club since arriving last summer.

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    The visitors levelled things up in the 69th minute in fine fashion as Shabab strikers Henrique Luvannor and Jo linked up, the latter providing the finish.

    It was Luvannor’s superb, driving run into the Al Ain penalty area past three defenders, followed by his inch perfect cross to the back post that allowed the Brazilian to stoop low and head home the equaliser.

    Jo had his second of the game, and Shabab’s winner, in the 86th minute as the summer signing ensured his side’s perfect start to the competition.

    Rising above his marker and arrowing the ball into the bottom corner, Jo delighted his teammates and the few visiting Shabab supporters with his third AG Cup goal in two games.

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