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| AFC Champions League |
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| Harmatallah happy with Sadd |
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| Al Sadd coach Hassan Harmatallah was impressed with Al Sadd's youngsters in the goalless draw with Al Wahda . (AFP) |
JEDDAH – Despite his side’s disappointing AFC Champions League campaign, Al Sadd coach Hassan Harmatallah still believes that he has done a good job since taking charge of the Qatari side.
Al Sadd had already seen their quarter-finals hopes go up in smoke prior to Wednesday’s game against Al Ahli but they still gave a spirited performance at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, battling from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.
The Saudi side went ahead when a cross by Hussain Sulaimani was deflected into the Al Sadd net by defender Tahir Zakaria but the Qataris were back on level terms three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty after Mohammed Massad blocked a Mohammed Gholam header with his hand.
Despite being a man down, Al Ahli regained the lead four minutes before the break when they were also awarded a penalty, which was despatched by Hussain Sulaimani, but Al Sadd levelled again five minute into the second half through Yusef Ahmed.
Harmatallah fielded a largely second-string side but felt that his players gave a good account of themselves.
"Both teams played well despite the circumstances in which we played in tonight,” he said.
"I only brought my second string squad because we had no hope of reaching the last eight.”
Harmatallah also defended the job he has done since taking charge of the club.
"I have had some good results with Al Sadd,” he explained.
“We won the Heir Apparent's Cup not long after I took over the team and we managed to reduce the 14-point gap in the league to Al Gharafa during my time with the club.
“However, we have not enjoyed much good fortune this season in the AFC Champions League."
Meanwhile, Al Ahli caretaker coach Yusuf Anbar was in a defensive mood as his team remained winless after five matches in Group C.
"We had a good match despite some mistakes by our players, particularly in defence,” he said.
"When the team doesn’t win, everybody blames me but when we win a game, no one wants to comment on that.”
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