Defending champions Arbil would aim to retain the Iraq League crown.

DOHA - Arbil coach Saleh Radhi revealed he had mixed feelings after seeing his side claim their first win in this season's AFC Champions League courtesy of a 1-0 triumph at Al Gharafa.

A superb individual effort from striker Ahmad Salah settled a tight if ultimately meaningless Group D contest with 28 minutes gone at Al Gharafa Stadium.

With both sides already eliminated from the competition, the Qatar outfit fielded an under-strength side, which took some of the gloss off the victory for Radhi.

"It was a good win although I'm disappointed that Al Gharafa played with their second-string side," he said.

"We knew that Al Gharafa would play with their young players the night before the game and that disappointed me personally.

"We were looking to gain some good experience from facing Al Gharafa's best team but in general, the game was useful and we got something from the game although we were hoping for more.

"We missed several chances and we must work to improve the final touch of our strikers.

"Our players were also affected in the final minutes of the game due to the lack of fitness and hopefully things will be better in the next match."

However, Radhi was hopeful the win would spur Arbil on in their domestic campaign and the new manager was also pleased to open his account in the Champions League.

"The win will give the players a mental push, especially as we are preparing to play in the Super League," he added.

"This was the first game for me in the competition and it was not easy."

Al Gharafa coach Marcos Paqueta, on the other hand, was satisfied with what he saw from his youthful side even though they were eventually edged out by the Iraqis.

"I want to thank our players, who played well despite their young age and the fact that they lacked the necessary experience," he said.

"We didn't want to use our key players because we were already out of contention.

"In general, we didn't play any of our matches in the ACL with full squads but hopefully things will be better when we participate in the competition in the future.

"I would also like to congratulate Arbil on their win although the match didn't have any importance because both teams were already eliminated."