Coming on as a substitute, Soufiane Rahimi once again demonstrated his importance by helping Al Ain secure a valuable 2-2 draw at Khor Fakkan on Thursday, in the 14th round of the UAE Pro League.
The match had started poorly for the visitors, who quickly found themselves trailing after goals from Hamdan Humaid and Cheikhna Doumbia in the 9th and 12th minutes. In response to this tough start, Al Ain’s coach made an immediate tactical adjustment, bringing Rahimi on in the 27th minute, replacing defender Kouame Kouadio and opting for a more offensive approach.
This tactical change paid off as the team managed to level the score. Kodjo Laba pulled one back right after the break in the 47th minute, before Rahimi equalized in the 58th minute with a perfectly placed header from a precise cross by Bandar Al Ahbabi, beating goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani.
With this result, Al Ain temporarily sits in 3rd place in the standings but could be overtaken by Al Wahda, Al Nasr, and Al Jazira, who have a game in hand.
Individually, Soufiane Rahimi continues to shine. His goal today brings his tally to seven in the league and 13 in all competitions this season, further cementing his key role at the Emirati club.
