SHARJAH // Why bother with one pedigreed foreign striker when you can afford two? Al Ain emphasised the value of a healthy transfer kitty and a broad overseas scouting network last night as their two imported attackers shot them closer to the Pro League title.
Sharjah made a game of it for an hour, but the league leaders simply had too much muscle, dexterity and class.
First, it was Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanaian striker on loan from Sunderland, whose early opener, gave Al Ain a lead they held until well into the second half.
Sharjah's hopes of securing a valuable point in their battle against the drop were raised when Yousuf Saeed levelled.
Their optimism lasted barely a minute, however, as Yasser Al Qahtani, Al Ain's Saudi Arabian forward, struck with the very next attack.
It was enough to break Sharjah's resistance for good. Prompted by Omar Abdulrahman, the gifted playmaker, the leaders ran out with Qahtani's second and a late fourth for Abdul Aziz Fayez.
Despite the prominence of the overseas contingent, Cosmin Olaroiu, the Al Ain coach, preferred to focus on the outstanding display of Abdulrahman.
"He showed that he wants to succeed," the coach said. "He made three assists, but he was also the player who did the most running in the game. This is what I like to see."
pradley@thenational.ae
