Al Ain boot out Al Ahli from President's Cup

Abu Dhabi - The President's Cup Round 16 match was tied 1-1 after regulation time

Al Ain showed why they are called 'the Boss' with a 3-1 win over Dubai 'Knights' Al Ahli at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Monday.
The President's Cup Round 16 match was tied 1-1 after regulation time and when it mattered, Omar Abdulrahman and Ibrahim Diaky netted one each to boot out the Dubai side.
It was Ibrahim Diaky's late substitution that turned the tided for Al Ain. The infusion led to a penalty that 'Amoory' dealt with ease. Till then Al Ahli were leading courtesy Ahmed Khalil's spot conversion.
The match saw lot of flare-ups but for all the outbreak of hostilities in the first half there was nothing to show on the scoreboard. The first 45 minutes saw several cleaver moves by Al Ain but all safely ending in the custody of Al Ahli keeper Majed Naser.
"It was a tactical battle," said Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic at the post match Press conference. "We created half chances but couldn't score. Al Ahli waited for us to make mistake and they scored."
The second-half started at a brisk pace with an open game.  Al Ahli's Ismail Al Hammadi and Khalil made some damaging runs and in the 57th minute won a penalty. Khalil was brought down inside the danger area and spot kick was ordered. Keeper Khalid Eissa judged correctly but couldn't keep out Khalil's shot.
Adding salt to injury, Al Ahli players celebrated right in front of Al Ain fans leading to a brief spat between the two teams.
With just 15 minutes to go, Diaky replaced Lee Myung-Joo and immediately made an impact. Diaky was brought down by defender Kwon Kyung-won and penalty was awarded. Omar Abdulrahman coolly converted to make it 1-1 in the 79th minute and take the game into extra-time.
And then Al Ain switched gears. It was pinpoint pass by Omar to find Dyanfres Douglas. The Brazilian's strike was parried away by Naser but Diaky was at the right spot to net and make it 2-1.
Just when Al Ahli were threatening to find an equaliser, Omar made it 3-1 with a class goal in the last minute. The playmaker got the ball outside danger area, had a look up, took two strides and let go a ripper that bisected defender and keeper. It was 'Amoory' magic moment.
"This was a special game but is only a small step in such a tournament," Dalic said.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com