Sasa Ivkovic's header was the difference for Bani Yas in a 1-0 home win over Khorfakkan in matchweek one of the ADNOC Pro League at Bani Yas Stadium on Friday.
The game was cagey in the first half as both teams failed to pose a real threat to the goalkeepers ending the first half in a goalless draw.
The hosts needed 79 minutes to break the deadlock when Gastón Suarez swung in an excellent cross from a corner into the penalty area, where Ivkovic climbed above Khorfakkan's defense and fired a powerful header into the back of the net.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed Aylton Filipe's goal in the stoppage time due to an offside on the Portuguese player to keep it 1-0 for Bani Yas.