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Al Ain seal a berth in the Asian group stage

Al Ain team proceeded forward to seal themselves a berth in the AFC 2011Champions League group stage after their 4-0 win over hosts Sriwijaya of Indonesia in the qualifying play-off at Jakabaring Stadium this afternoon. The winners netted their four goals apiece with Haddaf Al Amri opening the score giving his side an early lead in 13th minute when Al Ain's midfielder Omar Abdul Rahman sent a brilliant pass that beat the home team's defense and goalkeeper as well for the unmarked Haddaf to drive the ball into the empty net. Al Ain, winners of the inaugural edition of the AFC Champions League in 2003, controlled the game from the very beginning and they tightened their grib onto the game after taking the lead. Ibrahima Kieta from Ivory Coast came close to hit the back of the net when he sent a fierce shot in the 2nd minute but the goalie deflected the ball to a corner. Al Ain went on launching a number of raids through Omar Abdul Rahman, Brazilian player Elias, Ali Al Waheibi and Kieta looking for another goal but all their efforts went in vain. Elias made it 2-0 four minutes into the injury time off a penalty when he was fouled by a defender. He sent the ball into the net with great confidence to secure a 2-0 lead for the winners.

The visitors continued their superiority after the break giving their rivals hard time. Their work was soon paid dividends when Sriwijaya's defender Bouby brought Ali Al Waheibi down inside the box.  Omar Abdul Rahman made no mistake off the spot kick scoring the 3rd goal for Al Ain 5 minutes into the second half and his teammate Elias completed the rout when he slammed the ball home off a brilliant left footer shot three minutes later.