Abu Dhabi: Coach Zlatko Dalic was delighted at burying the ghosts of the Asian Champions League title loss last week, as Al Ain kick-started their Arabian Gulf League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Al Dhafra at the Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium.
Al Ain’s 1-1 draw against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors meant they were beaten 3-2 over the two legs in the Champions League final — and that blow could have had a huge impact on the players coming into Wednesday’s fixture.
But even their star Omar Abdul Rahman gave the pre-press conference for the Asian Player of the Year award a skip to focus on the league outing.
The playmaker himself had to step in to save the day as he scored through a penaltyto win it. Earlier, Adil Hermach nodded home to put the home side in the lead just four minutes into play. Ismail stole the equaliser after the change of ends with a brilliant diving header after being set up by Bandar Al Ahbabi.
“It was a tough game after coming into the contest following the setback we had in the AFC. It was good to get those three points,” said Dalic, who was confident of his side doing well in the next match against Al Wasl.
“We would like to do well against Al Wasl next and keep building on the momentum,” added Dalic. Skipper Abdul Rahman: “For a side returning to the domestic league just four days after playing in a tough ACL second-leg final, the win was what mattered. We had a lot of tired players and we are glad this game is behind us now. This game became a lot harder after Dhafra had scored early but the players showed real character to come back from a goal down.”
Meanwhile, the Pro League Committee (PLC) has presented Sharjah striker Rivas with the match ball following his hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Bani Yas. The round was dedicated to honour the nation’s fallen soldiers in the name of Commemoration Day. The PLC has launched the initiative since Round 6 of the 2016/17 season to celebrate any player who scores three or more goals in a single game.
