Al Ain kicked off their ADNOC Pro League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Bataeh at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday, ensuring a winning start to the new season.
The hosts took control in the first half and broke the deadlock when Adis Jasic delivered a pinpoint low cross that found Laba Kodjo unmarked inside the box.
The Togolese striker made no mistake, slotting home with a clinical finish to record the 9000th goal in the history of the ADNOC Pro League.
But Al Ain’s lead did not last. Just past the hour mark, Al Bataeh were handed a lifeline after being awarded a penalty. Azizjon Ganiev stepped up with composure and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity for the visitors.
With the game finely poised heading into the closing stages, Al Ain pressed forward in search of a winner.
Their persistence was paid off in the 82nd minute when Abdulkarim Traoré rose highest to meet a cross, directing a towering header into the back of the net to seal the points.
The result underlined Al Ain’s determination to mount a strong title challenge this season, while Al Bataeh left the pitch with plenty of positives despite falling short late on.
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