They didn’t take their chances, admits Ebrahimzadeh

AFC – ESFAHAN, Zob Ahan coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh felt his side’s clinical edge proved the difference as they began their AFC Champions League Group B campaign with a 1-0 win over Al Wahda.

Igor Castro’s second-half header ultimately separated the two sides at Foolad Shahr Stadium as the Brazilian broke the deadlock in a hard-fought encounter on the hour mark to ensure the Iranians collected all three points.

The hosts then managed to keep the Al Wahda at bay to close out the game and get their continental assault off to an encouraging start.

“I would like to congratulate all my players and the fans for this victory, it was natural we were a little bit on the back foot trying to keep our lead intact for the rest of the game after we scored,” he said.

“I confess that they also created some goal scoring chances but this is football. They failed to convert their opportunities, we didn’t.

“We also made some mistakes in the game, mainly in trying to gain possession, and we really have to improve in the next games and do our best not to repeat such mistakes.”

It was a welcome three points for the Iranians after finding themselves drawn in a group that also contains Uzbekistan giants Bunyodkor and last season’s finalists Al Ittihad.

“It’s true that we have been slotted into the group of death in the AFC Champions League this year but I would prefer to call it the group of life,” added Ebrahimzadeh (pictured)

“We are only aiming to reach the final rounds of the tournament. Zob Ahan fans will not be satisfied with just qualifying from the group stage, so we are really thinking of making it into the final rounds.

“The further we can progress, the better for sure.”

Al Wahda coach Josef Hickerberger, meanwhile, was magnanimous in defeat.
“It was a good game,” he said.

“Zob Ahan were mainly trying to defend their lead and they were able to do that. We did miss some good chances. Anyway, I shall congratulate them for this victory.

“I believe the 1-0 result was fair. This match is finished and we cannot do anything about the result now, so we have to focus on subsequent matches”

However the Austrian felt his side – who came through the play-offs to reach this year’s tournament – were hindered by adverse conditions

“I was not completely satisfied with the condition of the pitch,” he added.

“My players said they grass was rather slippery and that was why they could not control the ball properly. Also the weather was windy, which caused problems for us.”