Ajman made an impressive start to their ADNOC Pro League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al Wahda at Al Nahyan Stadium on Friday.
The visitors struck early through Lourency Do before Victor Henrique doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Mohammad Rasoul gave Al Wahda hope late on, but Henrique struck again to complete his brace and seal all three points for Ajman.
Ajman needed only five minutes to take control of the contest.
Yasin Jabri advanced down the left before cutting inside and picking out Lourency, who produced a clinical finish to put the visitors ahead.
The early breakthrough allowed Ajman to settle into the match, while Al Wahda were forced to chase a way back into the contest.
Ajman strengthened their grip on the match six minutes after the restart with a moment of individual quality from Henrique.
The Brazilian stepped up to take a free-kick and curled a superb effort beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
With a two-goal cushion, Ajman were able to manage the game while Al Wahda searched for the goal that could bring them back into contention.
The hosts finally found their response in the 77th minute.
Rasoul timed his run into the penalty area perfectly to meet Gastón Suarez's cross, directing his header into the net to reduce the deficit and set up a potentially tense finish.
But any hopes of an Al Wahda comeback were soon ended.
Seven minutes from time, Henrique struck again to restore Ajman's two-goal advantage.
The forward showed his composure to beat the goalkeeper, guiding his finish through his legs to make it 3-1 and put the result beyond doubt.
Henrique's brace capped an efficient display from Ajman, who converted their key opportunities and held off Al Wahda's attempted second-half response to open their ADNOC Pro League campaign with three points.
Ajman's efficiency proved the difference at Al Nahyan Stadium. An early Lourency goal gave them the platform, while Henrique's second-half brace ensured Al Wahda's late response was not enough to deny the visitors a winning start.
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