Al Ain, once again, proved they are worthy of their spot on top of ADNOC Pro League standings with another brilliant performance they delivered in their 5-1 away win over Al Jazira at Al Nahyan stadium, in one of the most-anticipated clashes of the tenth week.
Both teams had their motives for a victory as Al Ain looked to keep a firm grip on the standings' lead they have maintained for most weeks of the current campaign, whereas Al Jazira were eyeing a higher ranking in the table closer to the top.
The home side grabbed the lead early in the 12th minute with a powerful header from the Serbian defender Miloš Kosanović before the visitors put on a show where tables have been completely turned.
Cristian Guanca scored the equalizer in the 24th minute before Kodjo Laba netted another goal from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.
On-form winger Soufianne Rahimi has produced some high-quality skills on the left flank as he dribbled past Al Jazira's defender and fired a left-foot shot from a very tight angle making it 3-1 before half-time.
With the start of the second half, Al Ain haven't gone any easier on Al Jazira as Togolese marksman Laba netted his second goal of the evening four minutes into the second half, benefiting from a blunder committed by Al Jazira's goalkeeper Al Ameri who failed to get hold of the ball after leaving his net unattended serving Al Ain their fourth goal on a silver plate.
Laba refused to squander such a perfect chance to bag a hat-trick against lackluster Al Jazira, as he sealed his side's triumph with a fifth goal in the first minute of added time.
Al Ain's point tally has gone up to 24 points where Al Jazira's balance stood at 16 points as they fell behind Shabab Al Ahly in fifth place.
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