AFC Champions League Elite
Trailing to a Bassam Shakir strike at the Al-Madina International Stadium, Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad roared back with Moussa Diaby equalising in the 17th minute with Fabinho edging them ahead 12 minutes later.
Conceicao’s men were not disheartened by Danilo Pereira’s red card in the 50th minute as substitute Houssem Aouar netted twice to end their losing start to their continental campaign.
Conceicao’s men were not disheartened by Danilo Pereira’s red card in the 50th minute as substitute Houssem Aouar netted twice to end their losing start to their continental campaign.
#ACLElite | Al Shorta (IRQ) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)
Conceicao, in his match in charge on the continental stage, said his immediate task is to motivate his players.
“We are happy with our first win in the AFC Champions League Elite and we will strive to improve and avoid mistakes in upcoming matches,” said Conceicao. “The goal we conceded early in the match gave us the strength to come back and win.
“I was not nervous and I must react enthusiastically to motivate the players. The most important thing is to win, especially since we were the better team for most of the match.”
Despite a second successive defeat which left his side on a single point after three matches, Al Shorta head coach Moamen Soliman expressed pride in his team’s performance.
“I am proud of my players. I consider them among the best in the world and I have complete confidence in their abilities,” said Soliman. “We must acknowledge that there are vast differences between us and Ittihad. But despite that, we played well, created chances, and scored a goal.
“I am satisfied with my team's performance and the result doesn't reflect what happened. The match was full of intensity and attacking moments and we did not expect to lose by four goals.”
Iraq’s Al Shorta face Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractor FC next while Al Ittihad will play Sharjah FC.
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