Morocco’s Houssine Rahimi stars for Al Ain with brace against Al Nassr

Moroccan forward Houssine Rahimi scored twice as Al Ain opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Al Nassr.

The 24-year-old produced a Player of the Match performance, scoring in each half before his brother Soufiane Rahimi also found the net as the Emirati side secured all three points.

The performance was particularly significant for Houssine following the recent death of his father, Mohamed Rahimi, widely known as “You3ari”.

Rahimi pays tribute to late father

Speaking to Emirati outlet Hadath Al Riyadi after the match, Houssine credited his parents for the success enjoyed by himself and his brother Soufiane.

“My parents are the secret behind the success of Soufiane and I. I pray for my father and tell him that he left behind men, and we will continue what you started in your life and move the Rahimi family forward,” he said.

The Moroccan forward also acknowledged the role played by Raja Casablanca in his development before his move to the United Arab Emirates.

“I grew up at Raja and developed at Raja, and I thank the club for everything it gave me, to my father and to Soufiane,” Houssine said.

He also expressed his appreciation to supporters in Morocco and the UAE for continuing to support his family and recognise his father’s contribution.

Houssine leads Al Ain’s emphatic victory

Rahimi opened the scoring in the 25th minute, giving Al Ain the lead before adding his second goal in the 63rd minute.

His two-goal contribution put Al Ain in control and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Soufiane then extended the advantage in the 72nd minute, meaning both Rahimi brothers got on the scoresheet in a memorable Champions League performance.

Georgios Giakoumakis completed the scoring late on as Al Ain finished with a 4-0 victory.

Rahimi brothers make their mark in Asia

The result gives Al Ain a perfect start to their AFC Champions League Elite campaign, while the performances of the Moroccan brothers provide a strong African presence in the Emirati club’s continental success.

For Houssine, the night combined a standout individual display with an emotional tribute to his late father, while also highlighting the development he received at Raja Casablanca before continuing his career in the UAE.