Ghalenoei glee as Sepahan top table

Abu Dhabi: Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei was delighted his players achieved their goal of finishing top of Group A in the 2011 AFC Champions League following a comfortable 4-1 win at Al Jazira that sets-up a home clash with Bunyodkor in the last 16.

Brazilian Bare opened the scoring for the hosts after 14 minutes but Javad Kazemian got Sepahan level just after the half-hour mark before the visitors turned the screw after the break.

Ibrahima Toure scored twice and Reza Enayati completed the 4-1 win for the Iranians at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium.

“The most important thing for us was getting three points and the top spot in Group A. Perhaps our rivals Al Jazira had no motivation so we were happy to get the goals and win the game. The fact that they were out of the ACL also helped us be more focused and get the desired result,” said Ghalenoei.

“We increased the pace of the game in the second-half after we equalised in the first. Our knowledge of the Al Jazira team also helped and we changed our combination to score in the second-half.

“Al Jazira is one of the best teams in West Asia. They have good infrastructure and facilities and a great head coach.

“Actually I believe that in this group, Al Jazira did not have much luck or good chances. Al Jazira have some weak points and if they can overcome them, they can qualify for the second round next year.”

Ghalenoei’s joy, however, was tinged by the knowledge fellow Iranian sides Esteghlal and Piroozi would not join them in the next stage.

“I am sad that Esteghlal and Piroozi did not qualify but Sepahan and Zob Ahan are good teams and they have good technical staff and this helped the teams go to the next stage,” he added.

Al Jazira coach Abel Braga tipped his hat to their conquerors.

“Sepahan have a very good coach who can use players wisely on the pitch. Sepahan and Al Hilal (both Group A teams) are the best teams from the region and can reach the final of the ACL. Sepahan have a complete team,” he said.

“Against Gharafa and Sepahan and we were not lucky in the ACL and now it’s time to look forward to our upcoming game with Al Wasl in the UAE Pro League.”

“We rested most of our players and now we will look ahead to winning the UAE Pro League for the first time ever. We gave chance to players to prove themselves on the pitch today and I am happy there were no injuries in the team.”