QSL side El Jaish opened their AFC Champions League campaign with a big 2-1 victory over current Arabian Gulf League Champions Al Ain on Wednesday evening.

Jaish weathered a late come back from the home side who grabbed a lifeline in the match from the penalty spot through Brazilian striker Douglas. However two goals in the first half from Abderrazak Hamdallah & Romarinho were enough to give Sabri Lamouchi’s side a memorable win.

El Jaish started on the front foot and took the lead on the 9^th minute. Romarinho linked up well with Uzbeki winger Sardor Rashidov, who was able to find Hamdallah who swept in from close range.  Jaish’s attacking trio where on fire in the first half, and created a host of chances for the away side.

It was in the final seconds of the first half that Jaish grabbed a deserved second goal. This time Hamdallah was on hand to put through Romarinho, with the Brazillian attacker timing his run perfectly to slot past Ain keeper Eisa.

In the second half Ain pushed for an early goal, and where duly rewarded with the referee pointing to the penalty spot, after Bastos was bundled down in the area. Douglas stepped up for Ain and promptly smashed the ball into the net, however the referee ordered the kick to be retaken after encroachment in the penalty area.

At the second time of asking, Jaish stopper Khalifa Abo Baker pulled of a fine save to his left hand side very much to the delight of Sabri Lamouchi. Despite the fine save, Al Ain remained in the front foot for most of the second half. Eventually Ain grabbed their lifeline on the 68^th minute, with Douglas making no mistake a second time around.

Thankfully El Jaish held out in the remaining 21 minutes of the match to register an impressive win against Al Ain. Jaish will be looking to build on this encouraging start when they entertain Al Ain in the return leg at Abdullah Bin Khalifa stadium in one weeks’ time.