Mamic disturbed by Al Ain’s Super Cup defeat to Al Wahda

Dubai: Zoran Mamic was “generally disturbed” after his Al Ain side lost their first test without Omar Abdul Rahman 4-3 on penalties to Al Wahda in the Super Cup in Cairo on Sunday.

Al Wahda were 3-0 up inside 40 minutes after goals from Esmail Matar, Mourad Batna and Sebastian Tagliabue, before Al Ain fought back after the hour through Marcus Berg, Ebrahim Diaky and Caio Lucas.

Debutant Leonardo da Silva then won it from the spot for the ‘Clarets’ despite Tagliabue’s earlier miss, after Al Ain’s Hassan Al Shahat and Caio Lucas both failed to convert.

This season-opening decider between the winners of last season’s Arabian Gulf League and President’s Cup titles was Al Ain’s first game without Omar Abdul Rahman, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal earlier this month.

“I hate to lose but Al Wahda were a little bit better than us,” said Mamic. “We didn’t provide the desired level in the first half and received three goals.

“It was hard to get back, but anything is possible in football and we managed it. I made changes, they carried out what I told them and we got back. To then lose on penalties is as much about luck as it is skill and focus.

“Despite this, I’m generally disturbed by erroneous passes, loss of confidence and lack of focus. It was clear in the first half that the team did not appear in the required form.

“We must work to improve the level, turn the page and focus on the future to prepare for the start of the Arabian Gulf League. If we go beyond these mistakes and improve we will perform better and achieve success.”

Defending league champions Al Ain kick-off their season away to Emirates from 5.50pm on Friday. Meanwhile, reigning President’s Cup and now Super Cup winners Al Wahda are at home to newly-promoted Kalba from 8.30pm on the same day.

Clarets boss Laurentiu Reghecampf was adamant that his side wouldn’t make the same mistakes as they did against Al Ain going into the season.

“After the three goals we scored in the first half there was some laxity in the team, but this will not happen again in the coming period.

“Today we faced the defending league champions who have high capabilities and players that can make a difference.

“I am happy with the game and the performance we have given, what you saw tonight is a message to everyone that the level of football in the UAE is at the highest standard.”

Al Wahda have now won the past two Super Cups running and Reghecampf stated his intent to get back to this stage next year either via a league or cup win this season.

Elsewhere, Al Wasl drew their Arab Club Champions Cup first round opener 1-1 away to Al Ittihad Jeddah of Saudi Arabia on Friday with Ittihad’s Karim Al Ahmadi cancelling out Fabio Lima’s 12th minute strike for Al Wasl on 31 minutes. The next leg will be played at home on Thursday.

Al Jazira are the only other UAE side left in the competition and face their second leg away to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr on Wednesday after having lost their opener 2-1 at home on August 13.

Al Ain were knocked out by Algeria’s ES Setif having lost 2-2 on away goals earlier this month.