Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Coach Zlatko Dalic praised Al Ain’s determination as the Emiratis booked a place in the AFC Champions League final after a 2-2 draw with Qatar’s El Jaish in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday wrapped up a 5-3 aggregate scoreline.
The inaugural champions started the tie at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium with a two-goal advantage following a 3-1 first-leg win and, after a goalless first half, Omar Abdulrahman opened the scoring as the hour approached.
But Brazilian Romarinho bagged a double to ensure a nervy finish before Mohamed Abdulrahman scored deep into stoppage time to ensure Al Ain returned to a first continental final since 2005.
“We played a great match tonight and were able to fight and compete with El Jaish,” said Dalic, whose team will face Korean opposition in the form of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors or FC Seoul in next month's final with Jeonbuk leading 4-1 after the first leg.
“We ended the first half scoreless and this helped us go into the second period with a lot of confidence and determination.
“Our opening goal then increased our enthusiasm and determination and put more pressure on El Jaish. The match was then very exciting in the final 30 minutes when the two sides went forward and created scoring chances.”