Al Ain player and match-winner against Al Dhafra, Frenchman Nessim Chadli, stated that his team showed a strong character during the match against Al Dhafra yesterday in the 12th round of the Pro League, which ended with Al Ain's 2-1 victory. He pointed out that the win was not easy after falling behind, but it was a result of Al Ain's strong character that made the difference in the second half. Al Ain increased its points to 30, strengthening its lead in the standings. Chadli said in a press statement after the match: "It was a very important match for us. We were behind, but we did not give up and showed the real character of the team. The most important thing is that we managed to come back and take the three points, and that is what we were looking for." He added: "We played well in the first half, created some chances, but we failed to score. In the second half, everything changed after the coach in the dressing room stressed the need to fight until the end because the three points are not decided in the first half." Al Ain suffered before securing the three points, as the hosts ended the first half leading with a goal from an early penalty they obtained after their player Mohamed Al-Khalawi was obstructed inside the penalty area, which Brazilian Jobson Souza successfully converted into a goal in the 16th minute, executing it in a "Panenka" style. Al Ain entered the second half in a better position, as Laba Kodjo managed to follow a cross sent by Blassius and turned it inside the goal '60'. Substitute Nessim Chadli gave Al Ain the winning goal after following up a rebound from the post and easily completing it in the goal '82'. On the other hand, Al Dhafra coach Zeljko Petrovic said that his players deserve praise for the level they presented against Al Ain, noting that his team lost to Al Ain due to minor mistakes, as he put it. He added: "I am happy with the 15 points we have obtained so far. The main goal for us is to stay in the league. We could have achieved at least a draw if it were not for these minor mistakes."
