Al-Ahli coach says team deserved win over Pakhtakor in Asian Champions League opener

Al-Ahli head coach Marin Pusic said his team were the closest to winning against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in the opening round of the Asian Champions League Elite group stage, held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the 1-1 draw, Pusic said Al-Ahli dominated the match from the start and created several clear chances, but were unable to convert them into goals. He noted that the team had many shots on target and delivered a performance worthy of praise.

He added that Al-Ahli controlled possession and dictated the game, expressing pride in the players’ technical level and fighting spirit, especially as several key players were rested. Pusic stressed that the team gave everything and were closest to securing all three points.

Pusic pointed out that football does not always reward the better side, noting that Pakhtakor capitalized on a rare chance to score, while Al-Ahli failed to make the most of their numerous opportunities. He confirmed that the technical staff would now move on from this match and begin preparations for upcoming fixtures.

For his part, Al-Ahli player and man of the match Firas Al-Buraikan said his team delivered a strong performance and were the better side throughout both halves, creating many attacking chances that went unconverted.

He explained that Al-Ahli would quickly put this match behind them and start preparing for their next game against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, expressing confidence that the team would come back stronger in the upcoming matches and continue to pursue their goals in the continental tournament.

Al-Buraikan added that the team’s performance gave both players and coaching staff a great deal of confidence, stressing that Al-Ahli deserved a better result given their dominance and attacking opportunities throughout the match.