Dubai: Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic conceded that finishing third in the Arabian Gulf League was now out of their hands following a shock 4-3 defeat away to Al Wasl on Saturday.
The Cheetahs were 3-0 down after half an hour following a double from Yousuf Ahmad on 23 and 25 minutes before a third from Caio Lucas on 29 minutes.
But then Caio Canedo pulled two back on 36 and 56 minutes and Fabio de Lima added a second brace on 77 and 93 minutes to confirm the victory.
Al Ain’s hopes of getting out of their Asian Champions League group were already dealt a blow following a 2-2 draw at home to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli last Tuesday, but now their hopes of getting into next year’s tournament are also in doubt.
The Boss are now fourth in the league, two points behind Al Wasl and a necessary third place finish to reach Asia, with three games to go.
“We have three games left and mathematically we can return, however the reality confirms it’s not in our hands,” said Mamic.
“We made great progress early on but individual errors cost us. After the second goal we had five chances and never scored. If you can’t translate opportunities that’s the fate you encounter.”
Al Wasl coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena said the victory had given his side hope of qualifying for Asia.
“Games like this are one in a 100. This win has given us confidence for the remaining games.”
In the run in for third, Al Wasl now play Dibba away, Al Shabab at home and Hatta away, while Al Ain have Al Wahda at home, Sharjah away and Kalba at home.
Elsewhere on Saturday second-placed Al Ahli beat Al Wahda 2-1 away, to take the title fight into another week.
League leaders Al Jazira, who beat Al Shabab 3-0 at home on Friday, would have confirmed the title if Al Ahli had lost or drawn at Al Wahda, but they instead now just need a point in their next game away to Hatta on April 29 to tie up the title.
Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu admitted that there was no chance Al Jazira would screw it up from here.
“It’s very difficult to talk about the title with three games left. Al Jazira need one more point to win the title. For us we have to concentrate on each game to try and keep second position.
“That will help us to qualify for Asia. The most important thing is to refresh the players as they are very tired, but there are still some games before the season finishes.”
At the other end of the table, Bani Yas and Emirates are both five points off safety with three games remaining after Bani Yas drew 1-1 away to Kalba and Emirates lost 2-1 away to Sharjah.
Third from bottom Dibba lost 5-0 away to Al Dhafra and could get pulled into the relegation zone along with fourth from bottom Kalba, if one of the bottom two can stage an unlikely comeback.
