Abu Dhabi: Al Ain defender Ismail Ahmad is confident of his team beating Iran’s Esteghlal at home and proceeding into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League after Monday’s meeting at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Al Ain conceded a goal in the injury-time through a penalty in the first leg and now not only face a must-win situation, but will have to win by a two-goal margin to progress.
“I think at the Azadi Stadium in front of 65,000 fans, we put up a strong show and are well aware of what is required of us in Monday’s game. The players are determined to qualify for the quarters,” said Ahmad, who felt that the key would be not to panic.
“The most important thing is not to concede any goals and we need to focus hard and don’t show too much urgency,” felt Ahmed, who was clearly recalling the first leg incident when Mohammad Ahmad failed to judge the flight of a high ball and in the process of making a swift clearance, accidentally ended up handling the ball.
“Al Ain was very close to achieving a better result in Iran and we were the best team on the ground but in football, sometimes controlling the game alone is not enough to beat the opponent. We dealt with their offensive advances well and it was unfortunate to lose by goal from a penalty,” said Ahmed, who felt that the home fans’ support will drive them to attain the desired result.
“To get a positive result, it is important to see fans turn up in large number for the match. This will enhance the team’s strength at home and we will be able to redouble our efforts all through the match,” added Ahmad, who also hailed coach Zoran Mamic for giving good support and confidence to the young players in the team and backing them up.
Al Ain’s Brazilian forward Caio echoed similar sentiments as his teammate Ahmad. “In such strong challenges, the demand is to re-double efforts and work together to get a good result that guarantees the team to qualify for the next stage. We are well aware that we are required to show the fighting spirit and deal with caution and keep high concentration in every moment of the match in order to achieve our goal.”
Caio was of the view that the result in Iran, despite being better team on the day, has forced Al Ain to show resolve and put their best foot forward. “We were so close in the first leg but now we have to show we are good especially in the frontlines,” asserted Caio.
