Al Ain claimed a 2-0 win over Emirates in matchweek 2 of the ADNOC Pro League at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, earning six points out of two games to rise to the top of the standings temporarily, whereas Emirates couldn't overcome their shaky start to the season and conceded their second defeat in a row.
Al Ain fully controlled the game's first half, as they kept the ball for as long as they wanted before they translated their dominance into a goal 27 minutes into the game. Yasin Meriah headed the ball home off Kouame Autonne's assist to grant his side the lead and become the first Tunisian ever to score in the UAE Pro League. Two minutes before half-time, Al Ain talisman Kodjo Laba doubled the score to make Al Ain's job easier in the second half.
Kodjo Laba was so close to finding the back of the net for the second time and adding a third goal for Al Ain in the 63rd minute through a header, but he was out of luck as his strike hit the woodwork.
Emirates resorted to organized defense and tried to hit Al Ain on counter-attacks but all their efforts went in vain, thanks to the great form of the hosts' goalkeeper Khalid Eisa who saved a penalty from Adam Ennaffati in the 84th minute and bravely defended his net on several occasions.
Al Ain have gained 6 points out of their first two ADNOC Pro League games while Emirates remain with no points having conceded two defeats.
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