Caio late show rescues Al Ain

Abu Dhabi - Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic was a happy with the job

New boy Caio Fernandes saved Al Ain the blushes at home on Sunday night. The Garden City club prevailed over Bani Yas by a solitary goal during the Arabian Gulf League match at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
The match was an even contest but for Caio's brilliant 70th minute ripper. Bani Yas under their new coach Pablo Repetto had their moments but it wasn't their night.
The initial spell of play saw Brazilian winger Caio hit the woodwork and Danilo Asprilla miss an effort on goal. The first half saw a lot of half-chances and long-range shots being missed at both ends. Asprilla was a constant threat to 'Sky Blues' defence but was rusty with his finishing touches. 
The second-half too was a similar story of near misses. The half also saw two players - Amer Abdulrahman and Fellipe Bastos - making a mark against their former clubs. Abdulrahman had a half-volley that tested his former club keeper Dida. Soon Bastos too made an impact with his free kick.
In an end-to-end stuff both keepers were busy and Khalid Eissa was brilliant on few occasions.
And with 20 minutes remaining the goal came, much to the delight of home fans.
Asprilla on the run from right flank made a perfect pass to Caio, whose fierce shot from the right side was too good for Dida. Bani Yas were caught sleeping and Al Ain were up 1-0. Bani Yas tried hard but failed to recover from the setback.
Despite an unconvincing performance, Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic was a happy with the job.
"For us, three points is most important from this game. It is the only thing I asked from my players before the match," Dalic said.
Defending his players, the coach said: "We played five days ago in the Champions League and did everything there, so it was not easy to come back to our league. We scored a goal and kept a clean sheet, which is important for us."
Repetto was a satisfied man with his team's disciplined performance.
"I'm not happy with the result, but I'm convinced by my team's spirit and performance. It was a difficult game. They scored because of an individual effort. I'm satisfied with the level of the players. We should now look forward."