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AFC Champions League Elite
The 2-1 win against Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim was secured following a tough fight, with Ali Majrashi’s red card in the 37th minute putting Al Ahli on the back foot but the defending champions showed plenty of mettle as they came from behind to seal progress.
#ACLElite | Quarter-finals : Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 2-1 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)
Tactician Jaissle, however, admitted that Al Ahli have to improve if they are to lift the coveted trophy for the second successive season.
“We made it to the next round despite a tight and tough match. Never easy after a red card but the players showed great mentality and discipline with the fans giving us the extra boost."
“We made it to the next round despite a tight and tough match. Never easy after a red card but the players showed great mentality and discipline with the fans giving us the extra boost."
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“Until the red card, we didn’t play our best game. We needed to challenge the back five (of JDT) more but it’s never easy. We see more and more in football when teams sit in defence, we need to be patient. It’s something we can do better but we made it and that’s most important.”
Midfielder Kessie’s goal in first half added time gave Al Ahli parity following Majrashi’s own goal in the 19th minute.
“The game was very difficult but despite that, it produced our best performance and we fought until the end to get the result we wanted,” said the former AC Milan and FC Barcelona man.
Midfielder Kessie’s goal in first half added time gave Al Ahli parity following Majrashi’s own goal in the 19th minute.
“The game was very difficult but despite that, it produced our best performance and we fought until the end to get the result we wanted,” said the former AC Milan and FC Barcelona man.
“The goal we conceded made things difficult and when you play with only 10, it becomes even more difficult.
“After that we needed to focus on ourselves and try to remember everything the coach said. We gave our best to show our character and managed to put ourselves in a strong position in the competition.”
Kessie and company will have to find more of that resolve against Japan’s Vissel Kobe in Monday’s semi-final.
“After that we needed to focus on ourselves and try to remember everything the coach said. We gave our best to show our character and managed to put ourselves in a strong position in the competition.”
Kessie and company will have to find more of that resolve against Japan’s Vissel Kobe in Monday’s semi-final.
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