Winfried Schaefer proud of Esteghlal players

Tasnim – KUWAIT CITY, Esteghlal football team’s coach Winfried Schaefer says he is proud of his players after defeating Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.

Iran’s Esteghlal secured first place in Group D with a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabian team in Kuwait City, thanks to Vouria Ghafouri’s goal on Matchday Six of the 2018 AFC Champions League on Monday.

“I am very happy because we’ve defeated the champion of Saudi Arabia. After group stage draw, so many people said we would not advance to the knockout stage since we had been drawn in ‘Group of Death’ but we have qualified for Round of 16 as table-topper,” Schaefer said in the post-match news conference.

“We could win the AFC Champions League title step by step. Esteghlal needs more time. We have to see what happens in the next days,” the German coach stated.

“My players were excellent against Al Hilal and I congratulate all of them due to their responsibilities,” Schaefer said.