Triumphant Al Ain keen to seal AGL title quickly

Abdul Rahman is one goal away from equalling Gyan’s ACL record

Pumped up after thrashing Qatar’s Al Rayyan 4-1 to cement a place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League, Al Ain can’t wait to seal the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) title.

The Boss have not managed to clinch any trophy so far this season but are on the cusp of clinching the AGL crown as they are leading second-placed Al Wahda by four points with two matches remaining.

“We were just thinking about winning this outing against Al Rayyan and concentrating back on the League. We want to clinch that title and focus back on this tournament. When your opponents lose 4-1 at home, it confirms that we had a good game,” said Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic adding that the opponents had their share of chances but failed to capitalise.

“They couldn’t convert the opportunities and my team deserved to win and qualify. I always prepare my team in every confrontation to win,” added Mamic, whose team superseded their opponents, thanks to inspired performances from ace playmaker Omar Abdul Rahman and Swedish striker Marcus Berg.

First goal

Hussain El Shahat put Al Ain in the lead in the 11th minute, converting on the rebound after Brazilian Caio’s initial effort was blocked by Oumar Barry.

Omar Abdul Rahman doubled the lead after the change of ends with a sublime curling free-kick from the edge of the box. Berg then widened it to 3-0 after he slotted home a pinpoint cross from Japanese recruit Tsukasa Shiotani. Berg later completed his brace for the night in an identical fashion obliging to a cross in the 78th minute from Caio.