Al Ain have been crowned continental champions for only the second time after they defeated Yokohama F Marinos 6-3 on aggregate in the Asian Champions League on Saturday night.
The UAE club, the only Emirati winners of Asia’s marquee club competition, triumphed 5-1 in the second leg at a packed Hazza bin Zayed Stadium to overturn their 2-1 defeat from the opening encounter in Japan two weeks ago.
Managed by former Parma, AC Milan and Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, Al Ain took the lead on eight minutes when Soufiane Rahimi exchanged passes brilliantly with Yahia Nader and slotted home. It represented the Moroccan’s 12 goal of the 2023/24 tournament, extending his lead at the top of the scoring charts.
Al Ain doubled their advantage just after the half hour. This time, Rahimi was bundled over in the Yokohama area by defender Shinnosuke Hatanaka and, after a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was given. Paraguay international Kaku slotted home.
However, five minutes before half time, Yokohama struck back to level the tie. Al Ain defender Kouame Autonne took a heavy touch to allow Yan Matheus to race clear. The Brazilian checked back and finished well past Khalid Essa.
Then, in the 11th minute of first-half injury-time, Rahimi raced clear and was felled just outside the visitors’ area by Yokohama goalkeeper William Popp, who was given a straight red.
On 67 minutes, Al Ain made their numerical count. A looping ball dropped to Rahimi on the left-hand side of the Yokohama area and the forward chopped back across his marker to drill a low finish inside the near post.
In stoppage-time, substitute Kodjo Laba struck twice to round off an historic night for the hosts. First, the Togo striker pounced on a huge mistake from replacement goalkeeper Fuma Shirasaka to slot into the empty night; minutes later, he poked home Matias Palacios's low cross to send the majority of the 24,826 in attendance wild in celebration.
The win means Al Ain emulate their celebrated side of 2003, who clinched the inaugural rebranded Champions League. Al Ain were contesting a fourth continental final having finished runners-up in 2005 and 2016.
Also, as Asian champions, Al Ain have booked their place at next year’s expanded, 32-team Fifa World Cup in the United States. They will take their place there alongside the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
