President Sheikh Mohamed meets Al Ain footballers after ACL win

Leader praises club's championship performance and urges players to keep winning

President Sheikh Mohamed stands for a photograph with members of Al Ain Football Club, after their Asian Champions League win, at Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed stands for a photograph with members of Al Ain Football Club and their trophy. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the players, the team’s coach, administrative and technical staff on their win. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed talks to Al Ain coach Hernan Crespo. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed greets Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, First Vice President of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club, First Vice President of the Honorary Council, and chairman of the board of directors of the club. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed and Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan, deputy chairman of the board of directors of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club and chairman of the executive management committee of Al Ain Football Club Company. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed receives Al Ain Football Club, who beat Yokohama F Marinos of Japan 5-1 in May. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed greets the team's coach. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs' Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, right, greets a guest during the reception for Al Ain Football Club. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

Trophies on show at the reception for Al Ain Football Club. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

Members of Al Ain football club arrive at Al Bahr Palace. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

Al Ain coach Hernan Crespo and team members arrive at Al Bahr Palace. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday met the Al Ain Football Club at Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the players, the team’s coach, administrative and technical staff after their win in the Asian Champions League.

Last month, the Garden City club triumphed 5-1 over Yokohama F Marinos in a second leg courtesy of two goals each for Soufiane Rahimi and substitute Kodjo Laba, with the other coming through a controversial Kaku penalty.

It sealed a 6-3 aggregate victory, overturning their 2-1 defeat from the opening encounter in Japan, meaning Al Ain were crowned continental champions for the second time.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the level of performance from the team during the tournament and their highly competitive spirit, state news agency Wam reported.

He also urged the team to continue developing their performance and excellence to keep winning titles.

In return, the players expressed their thanks and appreciation for the attention and support given to sport by the UAE.