Pirouzi coach wants to go all the way to ACL glory

Dubai: After carving out a 3-1 win against Al Shabab in their Group D match on Tuesday night, Pirouzi coach Mustafa Denizli is already dreaming of going all the way in this year's Asian Champions League.

"Pirouzi is a team that is habituated to making use of opportunities that come our way," Denizli said.

"Tonight we have shown this aspect of our team and we will give a much better display as we progress to the knock-out stages of the Asian League."

Eisa Mohammad put Al Shabab ahead in the 13th minute only to see Libyan striker Eamon Zayed draw level for the Iranians two minutes before half time. Then Mehrdad Pooladi curled in a perfect free kick in the 53rd minute and substitute Hussain Badamaki sealed the three points in the 90th.

Belief

"I believe this team can go all the way," Denizli said.

"From now on, we start the knock-out matches and we will do our best to repay the belief our supporters have shown in us.

"Whatever our next game, we promise we will do whatever is worthy of the Pirouzi name."

The Turkish coach expressed shock that the Asian Football Confederation did not play both Group D matches at the same time.

"At this sort of a competition it is surprising indeed, but we would have expected the AFC to do so," he said.

"We were under pressure tonight as we had dropped valuable points in our home matches. But in the end this team made use of the opportunities and delivered.

Movement

"This was a difficult match and we fell behind by a goal, but we could get the result we sought due to good movements of our players on the ground.

"We could have scored more goals, but this result is okay with us as we were looking for the three points.

"The climate was also not suitable for our players and we congratulate the players for putting in the hard work."

In Tuesday's second match, Al Hilal secured a 2-1 home win against Al Gharafa of Qatar to occupy the top spot in Group D, with Pirouzi in second.

"It was a difficult group and we would have hoped to advance as the winner," Denizli said.

"The fans never left us alone and they were behind us all through the 90 minutes."