Abu Dhabi, UAE – Al Ain secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Shabab Al Ahli in their top-of-the-table clash on Friday evening at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, as part of the 22nd round of the ADNOC Pro League.
Al Ain’s goals were scored by Rami Rabia, Laba Kodjo and Hussein Rahimi in the 44th, 56th and 87th minutes. Meanwhile, Yuri Cesar scored Shabab Al Ahli’s two goals in the 46th and 67th minutes.
العين يحسم قمة دورينا بثلاثية مثيرة مقابل هدفين أمام شباب الأهلي ✨
ويبتعد بالصدارة بفارق 4 نقاط عن شباب الأهلي الوصيف
شاهد أهداف المباراة الخمسة ⚽️#العين_شباب_الأهلي 🟣🔴#أبوظبي_الرياضية 1⃣ | #دوري_أدنوك_للمحترفين pic.twitter.com/UFAaXpDXTZ
— ADSportsTV (@ADSportsTV) April 10, 2026With this victory, Al Ain increased their points tally to 56, strengthening their lead at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli’s points remained at 52, keeping them in second place.
The match began at a fast pace, with Kodjo nearly opening the scoring early in the 8th minute with a backheel shot, but it was deflected for a corner. Shabab Al Ahli responded with a dangerous attempt in the 14th minute through Bala, but his shot went just wide of the post.
Al Ain continued to press, and Abdul Karim Traoré nearly scored the opening goal in the 16th minute with a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Hamad Al Muqbali made a brilliant save. He then repeated his heroics in the 27th minute, denying another attempt by Traoré.
Rabia opens the scoring for Al Ain
Rabia succeeded in breaking the defense code by scoring the opening goal for Al Ain in the 44th minute. This came after he converted Traore’s shot with a wonderful backheel into the net.
As the second half began, Shabab Al Ahli quickly equalized through Yuri Cesar in the 46th minute. The team continued to press and threaten Al Ain’s goal, but goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made some excellent saves.
Al Ain regained the lead in the 56th minute with a powerful header from Kodjo. Shabab Al Ahli then equalized again in the 67th minute through Yuri Cesar from a free kick.
The final minutes witnessed a remarkable performance from Khalid Eisa, who saved his team from two certain goals in the 82nd and 83rd minutes. With this, Al Ain’s hopes of winning were kept alive.
In the 87th minute, Rahimi sealed the victory for Al Ain with a superb strike into the far corner. This came after he had a goal disallowed for offside a minute earlier.
The excitement continued until the final whistle, which declared Al Ain the winner with three goals to two, in a summit full of competitiveness and enjoyment.
