Mansourian maintains Naft will ‘surprise’ in ACL debut

AFC – TEHRAN, Coach Alireza Mansourian insists Iran’s Naft Tehran can be a surprise package in the AFC Champions League after defeating Qatar’s El Jaish 1-0 at the Azadi Stadium on Tuesday to advance to the group stages of the continental competition for the first time.

After a goalless first half in which few chances were created, Naft scored the only goal of the game five minutes after the interval when forward Amir Motahhari headed home an Iman Mobali cross.

And despite a late rally by the visitors in which substitute Mohammed Muntari twice could have levelled, the Iranians were able to hold on and secure a famous victory.

“I’m so happy my young team came out with a victory,” said Mansourian, whose side is now set to face inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan champions Pakhtakor and Saudi Arabia King’s Cup holders Al Shabab in Group B.

“We can be West Asia’s surprise package as I believe in my players and think they can get good results in the group stage.”

Naft will begin their maiden continental campaign against Pakhtakor in Tashkent next Tuesday.

El Jaish, meanwhile, missed out on securing their third consecutive appearance in the group stage AFC Champions League having reached the Round of 16 in 2013 before failing to progress to the knockout stage last year.

“After conceding the goal we lost our structure and discipline,” said El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi.

“We came here to get a win, but unfortunately the game didn’t go our way. We played well but in certain moments of the match, we weren’t what I expected.

“I want to congratulate Naft because they had a very good performance and they played well.

“They were the deserved winners in the end.”