Ahli are no match for Ajman

Ahli's efforts were hardly helped by the senseless dismissal of Ismail Al Hammadi, who was given his marching orders after collecting two bookings in five minutes. They lost 3-1.

Powered by automated translation

Ajman celebrated their return to top-flight competition with a resounding 3-1 home win over Al Ahli in the opening round of the Etisalat Cup on Thursday night.

Waleed Ahmed gave Ajman a 12th-minute lead but it was shortlived as Jaja, the Brazilian, struck the equaliser from a free kick six minutes later.

Ajman began the second half brightly with a goal two minutes after the restart. Oliver Tia, the Ivorian, restored the lead for the hosts before Ibrahima Toure put the finishing touches on the scoreline three minutes from time.

Ahli's efforts were hardly helped by the senseless dismissal of Ismail Al Hammadi, who was given his marching orders after collecting two bookings in five minutes.

The UAE international midfielder was shown a yellow card for dissent against the linesman and then received his second caution on 65 minutes for simulating a dive inside the penalty area.

The scoreline would have been more convincing had Ali Khamis's effort from inside the area not hit the crossbar 12 minutes from time.

Ajman are returning to the Pro League after a season in the first division. They now join Al Shabab on three points in Group B, who recorded a 4-1 victory against Baniyas.

apassela@thenational.ae

Follow

The National Sport

on

& Amith Pasella on