Al Ain match-winner Mohammed Abdulrahman hailed a crucial three points in the Arabian Gulf League title race after shooting down Al Wasl at the Zabeel Stadium last night.
Abdulrahman struck the game’s only goal as he swept home Jires Kembo-Ekoko’s pass in the 18th minute.
After the break the Boss dug in to protect their lead, the 1-0 victory their sixth straight maximum return in the AGL.
The result also moves them back level on points with leaders Al Jazira at the top of the standings, although Zlatko Dalic’s side have a game in hand.
Abdulrahman said it was their game plan to start fast before looking to pick off the Cheetahs as they chased the game.
“It was a very important win for us – all of the players did a great job," the 26-year-old said.
“We attacked them in the first half and we scored the goal but in the second we tried not to concede a goal and use the counters.
“That’s why it seemed like they attacked us too much in the second half, but the most important thing for us is the three points.”
It was Al Ain’s second win since the league restarted after the winter break and captain Hilal Saeed said they have built a good foundation to push on.
“It was a tough match,” he said. “It’s normal for all players to get back in the second half as we were afraid to concede a goal.
“But we won and that’s a great beginning for the second half of the season.”
Despite having a better overall goal difference, Al Ain trail Jazira on goals scored, but have played one game less with a match against lowly Al Fujairah to fit into their schedule.
They are also set to play host to title rivals Jazira in an eagerlyanticipated clash at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on March 3.
For Al Wasl, though, it was their second defeat in a row following the AGL’s resumption.
Newly-signed midfielder Hugo Viana felt they paid a heavy price for one solitary lapse in concentration and said it’s vital they bounce back at Dubai neighbours Al Ahli this weekend.
“We made just one mistake and they scored,” said the former Portugal midfielder.
“That was a second loss for us in a row and we need to focus now on Friday’s match.”
