Matías Palacios’ second-half strike earned Al Ain a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Al Wahda in matchweek 20 of the ADNOC Pro League on Tuesday.
Soufiane Rahimi thought he had given Al Ain the lead after six minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Al Wahda’s first real threat arrived in the 28th minute when Omar Khribin broke through on goal, but Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa reacted quickly to deny the chance.
Al Ain were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Laba Kodjo stepped up to take a penalty, but his effort drifted just wide of the post.
The hosts continued to push for the opener, coming close again when Rahimi’s free-kick effort struck the post.
Five minutes after the hour mark, Al Wahda nearly broke the deadlock as Omar Khribin unleashed a superb strike that rattled the post.
The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when Matías Palacios fired Al Ain ahead with a powerful strike that flew into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The result lifts Al Ain to the top of the table with 50 points, while Al Wahda remain fourth with 34 points.
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