Al Ain, on Sunday, returned to the top spot in the ADNOC Pro League following a 2-0 win over Ajman at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
The victory lifts Al Ain to 53 points and returns them to the top, one point clear of second-placed Shabab Al Ahli on 52 points. Ajman stayed in seventh place on 24 points.
Al Ain made an explosive start and took just six minutes to go in front. Soufian Rahimi touched home a cross from Amadu Niang to put the hosts ahead early on, establishing the match’s tone.
The goal prompted Ajman to try and play safer, but Al Ain remained in control, both with eyes on creating opportunities at one end of the pitch while retaining defensive stability.
Al Ain continued their onslaught in the second half and Laba Kodjo doubled his goal tally for the day when he finished a well worked move that all but secured the three points for Al Ain with 58 minutes gone.
Ajman responded and Al Ain were in control of the match for the rest of it, comfortably ensuring the victory to earn three important points and return atop standings.
At Sharjah Stadium, meanwhile, Sharjah bounced back with a comeback 2-1 win against Al Wasl.
Nicolas Gimenez put Al Wasl ahead in the 17th minute, finishing from inside the area to give his team a first-half lead following an even opening half.
Sharjah hit back strongly in the second half, equalising in the 49th minute through Ousmane Camara who slotted home coolly from inside the box.
The hosts piled on the pressure and made their dominance count in the 66th minute, when Khaled Al Dhanhani jumped highest to nod in the second goal that gave them victory.
Al Wasl searched for a second equaliser in the later stages, with a dangerous cross blocked by the Sharjah defence in the 79th minute, while Miguel Borja’s effort was barely off-target as he entered the box five minutes from time.
Sharjah was also a threat on the counter, with Al Wasl keeper Khaled Alsenaani denying a clear opportunity in the 86th minute.
On the stroke of stoppage time, Al Wasl were a man down, as Majid Surour was handed his second yellow on the day. Sharjah held onto all three points.
Sharjah rose to 24 points and eighth place with the result, while Al Wasl remained on 33 points in fifth.