Wydad were the quicker out of the traps and, after some enterprising early play, were rewarded for their efforts with a deserved fourth-minute opener. It was a beautifully constructed and expertly finished goal, too, with Cassius Mailula crashing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner after some superb approach play down the right flank.

Al Ain’s slow starters steadily grew into the match, however, and would have scored a fine equaliser ten minutes before the interval had Kodjo Laba not strayed narrowly offside before firing home.

The impressive Togolese striker would not be denied though, and scored his team’s maiden goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Ayoub Boucheta’s trip on Adis Jasic was penalised after a VAR review and Laba dispatched his spot-kick in decisive style, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The big centre-forward was then heavily involved in the 50th minute goal that ultimately earned Al Ain all three points. Stealing possession inside the penalty area, he combined with Matias Palacios to tee up Kaku, and the Paraguayan obliged with a wonderful curling left foot finish from the edge of the area.

Photos: AFP