Abu Dhabi: Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic, following his side’s injury-time loss to Iran’s Esteghlal, said they have to put the setback behind quickly and think about the return leg of the Asian Champions League last-16.
Kaveh Rezaei scored through a penalty, as the match was heading for a goal-less draw, after Al Ain’s centre-back Mohammad Ahmad unintentionally handled the ball but the referee pointed it to the spot.
“The loss has left us with just one option, to win at home. I trust the fans to come-up in large numbers to support us so that we can achieve to get a win what will guarantee us qualification,” said Mamic, who expressed his displeasure on the way the boys went about their business and felt that the match was marred with too many unruly incidents.
“We were not at the required level and that was mainly because the contest saw excessive violence on the ground. The red card for Saeed Juma was a bit harsh and the penalty was not deliberate but we are not here to discuss refereeing decisions,” said Mamic, who felt the players would have to put their best foot forward in the return leg.
“There is no time to talk about mistakes. We will now have to put up a compact, strong performance and that should help us qualify. The team will have to show the spirit and the desire to challenge and fighting,” added Mamic, who asserted that the team will have to get back to training straightaway and there was very little time to relax.
Al Ain skipper Omar Abdul Rahman also expressed his disappointment on missing out on the opportunity to salvage an important draw saying, “It was possible to get out of the packed Azadi Stadium with a better result than the way it ended for us. The last minute loss is not easy for everyone of us to take but we have to understand that we have an opportunity to respond to the Iranian team in our own backyard.”
Abdul Rahman was of the view that his teammates did their best and gave it everything and the goal was unfortunate.
“All the players did their duty in the best way,” he said.
“The goal which we conceded was because of an unfortunate error and nobody can be blamed. We will try hard to compensate for the loss when we play in our own backyards,” Abdul Rahman said, adding their first loss in the continental showpiece event would enhance their strength and desire to play strongly in the return leg.
Esteghlal coach Alireza Mansourian speaking about his team’s showing said: “We were able to repay the large numbers of fans with a positive result and we are delighted about it.
“It was because of the fans’ support that we were able to push hard for a win till the end. Our mission is not finished.
“We are aware that Al Ain will come strongly against us at home and we will have to redouble our efforts to qualify.”
A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks at the Al Ahli Club, the other UAE representative on Monday evening, but that did not affect their game when they met their namesake from Saudi Arabia.
The Cosmin Olariou-coached Al Ahli, coming into the match at the back of the merger with Al Shabab and Dubai Club, snatched a 1-1 away draw.
