Asamoah Gyan scored his first league goal for Al Ahli as the defending league champions title defence started with a 4-0 triumph against Emirates Club.
The on-loan Shanghai SIPG striker won a penalty and expertly converted on four minutes.
Gyan was not fully fit and was replaced before the hour mark.
He was benched in midweek for the 2-1 victory against Al Jazira in the Arabian Gulf Super Cup.