Ebrahimzadeh ecstatic ending Emirates’ run

AFC – Ras Al Khaimah, Coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh was delighted Zob Ahan were able to inflict Emirates’ first home defeat in the 2011 AFC Champions League and clinch top spot in Group D in the process.

Having already downed Al Rayyan and Al Shabab at Emirates Club Stadium, the UAE second division side were looking to add another famous scalp to their collection in the form of last year’s finalists.

But the Iranians prevailed thanks to Mohammad Ghazi’s goal 10 minutes from the end of the game as he applied a consummate finish to Igor Castro’s pass.

“Emirates Club today proved to be a very tough customer. They have been unbeatable at home,” said Ebrahimzadeh.

“But we managed to win though we had to wait for the goal until very late in the game.”

With four wins and a draw, Zob Ahan move onto 13 points and have again looked like one of the teams to beat in this year’s competition.

“Every match that we play we are keen to win. We were already assured of a place in the second round but we want to win and today we played for a win,” added Ebrahimzadeh.

“Both sides missed a lot of chances but I am happy with the way my side performed against Emirates , who are a very hard team to beat at home.”

For Emirates coach Ghazi Ghrairi, the defeat was a big blow of their hopes of reaching the second round as after Al Shabab edged out Al Rayyan 1-0 in Riyadh, they trail the Saudis by two points ahead of next week’s trip to Qatar.

“We played very well but in football the best team is the team which scores with the chance it gets,” he said.

“I have to say that my team is a very good one and they played a good match. This is our first experience in the AFC Champions League and I believe we are playing well.

“Zob Ahan are a very strong side and they played very well.” said Ghrairi.

Ghrairi also confirmed that Emirates were deprived of prolific striker Nabil Daoudi through injury.

“Daoudi is not well and he is also nursing an injury. Today Karim Kerkar played very well and we were unlucky,” he added

“Hopefully Daoudi will be back when we play our last game against Al Rayyan and we can take full points in that game. I have to thank our supporters who have given us strong backing in our home games.”