Ibrahim Diaky was the hero for a severely-depleted Al Ain as they claimed a hard-fought 2-1 Arabian Gulf League victory against Emirates Club.

Star trio Omar Abdulrahman, Asamoah Gyan and Jires Kembo-Ekoko all watched from the stands at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium after picking up injuries.

Their withdrawals forced Diaky into an unfamiliar role up front but the ex-Al Jazira man prospered, claiming a brace.

Diaky headed his side into the lead on the hour mark, but the visitors struck back soon after as Mubarak Saeed rose to connect with a corner.

Two valuable points seemed to be lost for the Boss, only for Diaky to skilfully control on his chest and volley home to send his side into second place in the table with a game in hand.

Elsewhere, Al Shabab rebounded from successive defeats to beat Sharjah 4-2.

Essa Obaid, Carlos Villanueva, Henrique Luvannor and Haydarov Azizbek struck for the home side, with Wanderley getting a brace for Paulo Bonamigo’s men.