Asamoah Gyan took only four minutes to announce his return to the Arabian Gulf League as he scored in Al Ahli’s comprehensive win over Emirates club.

The champions got their title defence off to a winning start, beating Emirates 4-0 at the Rashid Stadium with Gyan netting the opening goal.

The frontman, setting out on a year-long loan from China’s Shanghai SIPG, won a penalty and then casually converted it.

It was his 96th goal in 84 UAE top-flight matches, his second for the Knights following last week’s Arabian Gulf Cup strike against Al Ain.

Gyan was withdrawn on the hour, applauded off the pitch by the scattering of loyal supporters who braved the stifling early evening conditions to watch Ahli embark on their title defence.

He was benched in midweek for the 2-1 victory against Al Jazira in the Arabian Gulf Super Cup.