Al Ain tactician Zoran Mamic was pleased to see the “fighting spirit” needed to avoid 2018 AFC Champions League heartbreak against Bahrain’s Malkiya.

The 2002/03 winners are braced for another tilt at continental glory after second-half goals from Marcus Berg and Caio secured a 2-0 play-off win. Their Croatian coach had expressed worries about preparations in the build-up and he was happy to see these prove unfounded.

Mamic said: “I asked the players to show  fighting spirit and seriousness of their football.

“If you do not play in the right image, it may expose some of the problems.”

Now a spot in Group D is secured, the Arabian Gulf League leaders play promoted Ajman on Saturday.

UAE internationals Omar Abdulrahman and Ahmed Barman are serious doubts after they came off injured on Tuesday.

“Amoory and Ahmed Barman are in need of tests to find out the details and the time needed for both to return. I hope they return quickly to the team,” said Mamic.