Al Ain concluded their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory against Wydad at the Audi Field in Washington, in only the third ever matchup between a Moroccan team and one from the Middle East.

Both teams knew their fate prior to kick-off — even a win would not be enough to see them progress from Group G after losing their opening two games.

Wydad got off to a flying start, breaking the deadlock in under five minutes when Cassius Mailula hammered the ball into the top corner from just inside the area.

Nevertheless, Vladimir Ivić’s team equalised before half-time from the penalty spot.

Adis Jahovic was brought down by Boucheta following Kaku’s through ball, and Laba scored from 12 yards to set up an intriguing second half.

The frantic pace continued after the restart and, having equalised, Al Ain used that momentum to complete the turnaround.

Kaku scored with a curling strike into the top corner, overcoming a VAR intervention for a potential foul in the build-up before the goal was ratified.

While both teams were still eager to attack, there were fewer opportunities compared to the first half. Al Ain really should have been two goals ahead when Laba was found for what seemed an easy tap-in. However, instead of finding the back of the net, he somehow slotted the ball past the post.

Ultimately, Al Ain were able to hold on for the win and end the competition on a high, which seemed unlikely after their first two games.

Meanwhile, Wydad will be disappointed not to have got more from this match, considering their early pressure. They end up bottom of the group as a result. Even so, their performance against strong opponents is respectable.