Al Ain complete domestic double with 4-1 President’s Cup win over Al Jazira
Al Ain clinched the President’s Cup with a 4-1 victory over Al Jazira at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, completing a domestic double after securing the league title earlier in the season.
Match summary
Al Ain lifted the President’s Cup for the eighth time after producing a dominant display in the final against Al Jazira at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. The victory, sealed by four different scorers, underlined Al Ain’s control of UAE domestic football this season. The team’s clinical finishing and organisation proved decisive in a match that produced early drama and a late stoppage-time finish.
Early fireworks at Mohammed bin Zayed
The final opened at a frantic pace with Kodjo Laba forcing an early save from Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khaseif inside the opening five minutes. Al Jazira responded through Nabil Fekir, whose set-piece effort ricocheted off the post and goalkeeper Khalid Essa before crossing the line to give the visitors an early lead. The early exchanges set the tone for a high-intensity encounter that swung back and forth in the first half.
Al Ain equalised quickly when Sufyan Rahimi capitalised on a defensive lapse, racing from midfield to slot home and level the tie within minutes. The momentum shifted decisively as Rahimi struck again shortly after, finishing a swift counter that gave Al Ain the advantage and left Al Jazira scrambling to regroup. The quick turnaround showcased Al Ain’s ability to punish errors and to convert transitions into goals.
Sufyan Rahimi turns the tide with a brace
Rahimi’s two-goal burst inside the opening 20 minutes proved pivotal, combining pace with composure to unsettle Al Jazira’s backline. His first strike was a solo run finished clinically, while the second came from a swift break that exposed space behind the defensive line. Those strikes not only changed the scoreboard but also forced Al Jazira to alter their tactical approach for the remainder of the match.
The Moroccan attacker’s movement created space for team-mates and opened up channels that Al Ain exploited for the rest of the half. Rahimi’s performance was emblematic of Al Ain’s attacking threat and ability to convert high-pressure moments into decisive plays. His brace remains one of the defining contributions to Al Ain’s cup success this season.
Traore’s interception and VAR drama
Abdelkarim Traore extended Al Ain’s advantage after intercepting a pass from Nabil Fekir and arriving at the edge of the box to fire a low, powerful shot that deceived the keeper. Moments earlier, Khalifa Al Hamadi had produced a crucial defensive clearance to deny a potential third, preserving Al Jazira’s hopes. The goal underlined Al Ain’s readiness to opportunistically turn defence into attack.
Al Jazira thought they had reduced the deficit late in the first half through Simon Banza, who headed the ball into the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. The decision left the visitors frustrated and gave Al Ain a psychological boost heading into the break. The VAR intervention shaped the remainder of the match by keeping Al Ain firmly in front.
Second-half organisation stifles Al Jazira
The second half saw Al Jazira enjoy more possession and attempt to force openings, but they repeatedly encountered a well-drilled Al Ain defence that closed passing lanes and maintained compact shape. Al Ain’s defenders and midfielders worked in tandem to limit clear chances and to protect the lead. Al Jazira’s increased activity yielded promising spells but not the clinical finishing required to change the outcome.
Substitutions injected urgency into the contest, with Al Jazira pressing for a route back into the game while Al Ain managed the tempo and sought to capitalise on counter opportunities. A notable moment came when substitute Hussein Rahimi almost extended Al Ain’s cushion, weaving past several players before his shot flashed just wide. That near-miss reflected Al Ain’s continued threat on the break even as they defended their advantage.
Late stoppage-time seal and Al Ain’s fourth goal
Al Ain sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when substitute Eric Minezes met a perfectly-timed cross after a long clearance from Khalid Essa. The assist came from Blasios, who redirected the ball on to Minezes’ head for a composed header that made it 4-1 in the 90+4 minute. The late goal capped an emphatic performance and extinguished any remaining hopes of a dramatic Al Jazira comeback.
The stoppage-time finish was a fitting end to a final that had swung between early chances and disciplined defending. It also reflected Al Ain’s depth and the impact of their substitutes, who helped close out the match and provide fresh impetus in the final stages. The crowd at Mohammed bin Zayed witnessed a complete performance from the champions on a night when precision at both ends determined the outcome.
Implications of the double for Al Ain
By adding the President’s Cup to their league crown, Al Ain completed a domestic double that cements their status as the nation’s leading side this season. The cup win marks the club’s eighth success in the competition and underscores a campaign characterised by consistency and tactical balance. For players and supporters alike, the double represents both reward for season-long efforts and a solid foundation for future ambitions.
The triumph will boost Al Ain’s confidence as they turn attention to regional competitions and next season’s objectives. It also sends a clear message across UAE football about the club’s depth of talent and ability to perform on the biggest domestic stages. The squad’s blend of experienced finishers and emerging contributors proved decisive in the title run-in.
Al Ain’s 4-1 President’s Cup victory over Al Jazira will be remembered for its decisive moments, clinical counter-attacks and late flourish, sealing a remarkable domestic double and closing a successful chapter in the club’s season.