Prince Tagoe and Saleh Bashir each scored twice for the home side, who moved two points clear at the top of Group D with the win.

Carlos Renato netted the lone response for the visitors, who slipped to the bottom of the group with the defeat.

“This was our best game in the three games that we have played so far,” said a delighted Andone.

“I have watched five Al Shabab games and I have noticed that they have a slow defensive line.

“We fielded four strikers today because we knew that Al Shabab have problems at the back. However, this doesn’t mean that Al Shabab are a bad side as they are UAE champions and they are a good team.

“Our four strikers were the difference in the game,” the Romanian added. “We had many chances to score in the first half but we conceded a goal which made the game harder for us in the second half.

“We are now at the top of the group and we are determined to win in the next match. The next match in Dubai is really important and if we win this game, then we will secure our place in the next round.”

Al Shabab coach Toninho Cerezo admitted that his side struggled after falling two goals behind in the first 16 minutes.

“I would like to congratulate the Ettifaq coach because his side played a great game and the result shows that it wasn’t our best day today. The early goals affected us and our performance in the game,” said the Brazilian.

“Ettifaq scored twice early in the first half and they scored two more late goals in the second half. We had a chance to come back after we pulled a goal back but we couldn’t score.

“Ettifaq’s number 10 (Saleh Bashir) is a great player and he made the difference in the game for his team. In the second half we tried to control the game but we couldn’t score.

“Now we have to look forward for the next game. We will play at home and we have an opportunity to get back on track in order to keep our chances alive of qualifying from the group.”