Al Ain lose 2-0 to strong Palermo side in friendly

The UAE club come up short in the absence of a third foreigner in their pre-season preparation.

Al Ain goalkeeper Dawoud Sulaiman did well to limit the scoreline to 2-0 for his losing side.

Al Ain's need to sign a foreign striker was highlighted when they were beaten by Palermo in a friendly last night.

The Pro League club have already recruited Mirel Radoi, a midfielder, and the forward Ignacio Scocco for next season but prior to their introduction with 20 minutes remaining of the friendly, they looked toothless in the 2-0 defeat against the Serie A side who finished in mid-table last season and won the Italian Cup.

Aurelian Cosmin's side were sunk by a first-half penalty from Fabrizio Miccoli, the seasoned Italian striker who turned provider for the second which was headed in by Giulio Migliaccio.

The closest Al Ain came to scoring was in the 25th minute when Ismail Ahmed felt he had claims for a penalty turned down following a foul by Luca Di Matteo while Shahab Ahmed headed straight at the keeper when well placed later on.

On the evidence of the friendly in Bressanone, Al Ain may well regret allowing Jose Sand, the striker who scored 33 goals in all competitions in his first season with the club in 2009, to leave to join Club Tijuana, the Mexican club.