Al Ain cemented their position at the top of Group A in the Etisalat Cup last weekend as they opened up a six point lead following their 3-2 victory over second-place Al Dhafra.

Alexandre Gallo, Al Ain’s new Brazilian coach, was handed the perfect start as his team came from behind at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium to preserve their unbeaten record in the competition.

The reigning Etisalat Cup holders started slowly, allowing Al Dhafra to take the lead in the 36th minute, but they turned on the style in the second half as goals from Ibrahima Keita, Mohammed Saif and Juma Saeed gave them a 3-1 lead. The visiting team managed to find the net again in the dying seconds but it was little more than a consolation goal.

Elsewhere in Group A, Al Wahda climbed to fourth place courtesy of a late goal from Omar Ali, which gave them a 1-0 victory over Al Nasr, while Bani Yas slipped to the bottom of the table after suffering a humiliating 6-3 drubbing at the hands of Dubai Club.

However, with just three games remaining before the knockout stages, only two points separate second and sixth place, leaving everything to play for as the top two teams progress from the group.

Meanwhile in Group B, Al Jazira failed to replicate their impressive league form as they went down 2-1 at home to Sharjah.

Captain Ibrahim Diaky opened the scoring for Jazira after 37 minutes but second half strikes from Mohamad Srour and substitute Marcelinho secured victory for the visiting team.