Hickersberger hails Wahda young guns
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AFC – Abu Dhabi, Al Wahda coach Josef Hickersberger was delighted with the showing from his young side as goals from Salem Saleh and Mohammad Al Shehhi sealed a 2-0 win over Piroozi at Al Nahyan Stadium, their first of the 2011 AFC Champions League in their final Group C game. Al Wahda took an early lead when Saleh finished off a fine move initiated by the Al Wahda goalkeeper Moataz Abdullah in the 13th minute.
Abdullah picked out the lanky Al Shehhi with his goal kick and the latter worked his way down the left flank before crossing towards Saleh, who produced a fierce finish that was too good for Piroozi keeper Rahman Ahmadi.
Fahad Masaoud then ensured Al Wahda increased their lead when he delivered a perfect cross and Al Shehhi’s diving header found the back of the net in the 70th minute.
“We fully deserved this win. My team played very well and the quality of football was good for the fans who enjoyed it,” said Hickersberger.
“We have many players on the injured list including Fernando Baiano and Ismail Matar. Matar’s injury is bad and he needs surgery.
“But the young players worked very hard today and showed that we are still a good side. We had a good team working together and playing with good team spirit and for that the result was also a good one.
“We will now hope my players recover and be ready for their next game against Sharjah in the League.
Ali Daei, the former Iranian international and coach of Piroozi, admitted his team were lacking motivation.
“We knew we were out of contention and the players are now looking to do their best in the Cup semi-final and to finish strongly in the Iranian League,” he conceded.
“It was a good game and both teams had good chances and unfortunately we created and couldn’t score. That’s football. We couldn’t succeed while they did.
“We were also unlucky with a few offside decisions but we will get back and prepare for the domestic events.”
