Al Ain and Al Orooba took a point each from their ADNOC Pro League encounter in a top versus second bottom clash at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium as Matchweek 18 got underway.
Ali Madan opened the scoring for the Fujairah-based side in the 38th minute of play as the side held on till the closing minutes when Rafael Antonio snatched a late equaliser with three minutes of normal time left, taking Al Ain’s tally of points to 43, with Al Orooba’s tally going up to 10.
This is the second draw between the two side’s this season, after an exhilarating 3-3 draw a few months ago.
There wasn’t much goalmouth action in the opening minutes as both sides sparred for possession with Al Ain just about edging the midfield battle though without threatening the visitors.
Ali Madan opened the scoring seven minutes before the break after latching onto a long ball and slithering his way into the six yard box, before chipping Khaled Eissa.
This was Madan’s sixth goal of the campaign so far, and his third against Sergei Rebrov’s men.
The Ukrainian manager made two changes at the interval with Yahia Nader and Caio Canedo coming on for Mohamed Abbas and Mohamed Ahmed, signaling his intent on getting something out of the game for his side.
On the hour mark, Al Ain missed a glorious chance at coming level with Cristian Guanca’s left footed howitzer from far out hitting the post, before marauding defender Danilo Arboleda picked up the rebound and teed up Soufiane Rahimi, whose subsequent shot was saved.
Al Ain kept up the pressure late on until they eventually managed to equalise through Antonio, who headed in substitute Saeed Al Balushi’s cross to restore parity.
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