We lacked luck laments apologetic Farias

AFC – JEDDAH, Al Ahli coach Sergio Farias apologised after his new charges suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Iran champions Esteghlal in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League opener.

Farhad Majidi scored scored in either half for Esteghlal Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah before substitute Hassan Al Raheb, pictured being consoled by Al Ahli President Abdul Aziz Al Anqari, grabbed a late consolation for the home side.

Farias won the AFC Champions League with Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers last season, but Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli were always playing catch up after Majidi’s header opened the scoring after just 12 minutes.

“I apologise to the fans for the defeat,” said Farias

“The fans showed a lot of effort and passion during the whole match, but we were not lucky.

“We had several chances, but when you do not score in football you will lose.”

Esteghlal goalkeeper Mohammad Mohammadi was in particularity good form to keep out the home side for the majority of the contest and crucially saved Marcinho’s 68th minute penalty before an unmarked Majidi doubled Esteghlal’s lead eight minutes later with a second header.

Mohammadi did lose his clean sheet but Al Raheb’s 86th minute header was of little consolation to Al Ahli and Farias.

“I know that AFC Champions League matches are difficult and require concentration for the entire 90 minutes,” added Farias.

“But I think what happened was due to the lack of experience of my players.”

Esteghlal coach Samad Marfavi insisted beforehand he had done his homework on Al Ahli and his hard work paid off as his side joined Al Gharafa at the top of Group A after the Qatar League leaders beat Al Jazira 2-1 in Abu Dhabi.

“We have monitored Al Ahli for a long time and this is the reason behind the win,” said former Esteghlal striker Marfavi.

“We must now show our best during the remaining matches and we will do our best to secure an early qualification for the next round.”

In the next round of fixtures on March 9, Esteghlal entertain Al Jazira, while Al Ahli travel to Al Gharafa.