Laba Kodjo's goal was the difference for Al Ain in a 1-0 home win over Shabab Al Ahli in matchweek 21 of the ADNOC Pro League at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday.
Both teams started the game so strong as Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper Majed Naser made a brilliant save to deny Kodjo after just four minutes.
It took 30 minutes for the hosts to open the scoring as Cristian Guanca's through ball picked out Kodjo in acres of space and the Togolese striker cut inside the penalty area, beating two defenders and the goalkeeper, before slotting the ball into the empty net.
It was Al Ain's 11th consecutive goal in the ADNOC Pro League from inside the penalty area.
The visitors have kept searching for restoring the parity when Ahmad Nourollahi's powerful header in the 36th minute, but it went just wide.
Kodjo was sent off in the stoppage time after he brought Yousef Jaber down.
Sergiy Rebrov's men maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the league's table, while Shabab Al Ahli remained fifth with 30 points.
Send feedback
