Bruno Metsu, the favourite to be named African coach of the year for a second time, has won the UAE league title.
Metsu managed Al Ain to the championship in the United Arab Emirates, retaining their title with a 1-0 win over Al Nasr.
There was a further African connection, with the winning goal coming from Ivorian international Kandia Traore.
Traore scored the winner after a shot from compatriot Abubaker Sanogo had been parried by the goal keeper.
Metsu has been with Al Ain on a one-year contract since leaving Senegal after the World Cup finals last July.
/>
The French trainer had wanted a leave of absence from the Lions of Teranga but this was refused by the Senegalese federation, who have since employed compatriot Guy Stephan.
Senegal`s quarter-final place at the World Cup finals plus their silver medal win at the African Nations Cup finals in Mali make him the favourite for a successive African award.
The ceremony takes place at the Confederation of African Football`s gala banquet in Johannesburg on 1April.
Under Metsu, Senegal qualified for their first-ever World Cup finals, winning him the African coach of the year award for 2001.
