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Win sets Al Ahli up nicely for upcoming battles, says Jaissle

Win sets Al Ahli up nicely for upcoming battles, says Jaissle

Baghdad: Matthias Jaissle wants his Al Ahli Saudi FC side to draw confidence from Monday’s 5-0 win against Al Shorta as they seek to defend their AFC Champions League Elite™ title and target domestic honours.
The victory confirmed Al Ahli Saudi’s Round of 16 spot but there will be no time to celebrate as the Jeddah-based side face three domestic matches in nine days, one of which is against table-topping Al Nassr Club in the Saudi Pro League.
#ACLElite | Al Shorta (IRQ) 0-5 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

#ACLElite | Al Shorta (IRQ) 0-5 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

“I’m very proud of the team. They were a unit on the pitch with many players performing on a good level and this is a good start for an intense block (of matches) ahead of us,” said the German tactician.

“In the first half, we couldn’t maximise the opportunities Shorta were causing us trouble but in the second half, we did it much better and totally deserved the victory,” said Jaissle.
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Ivan Toney produced a memorable performance, creating the opener for Roger Ibanez before scoring in the 56th minute. The Englishman then provided an assist for Saleh Alshamat as Al Ahli moved up to 13 points. 

Defeat left Al Shorta with an extremely slim mathematical chance of advancing and head coach Moamen Soliman admitted Al Ahli were too strong for his side.
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“The result is fair because Al Ahli had a better second half than we did,” said Soliman. “We had a good tactic, managed possession well and created chances but after the second goal, the team collapsed physically and mentally.

“We tried to push in the first half and go for it but Al Ahli have excellent experienced players who managed to counter us with minimal effort so overall, we can’t complain about the result.”

On one point, Al Shorta will face Uzbekistan’s PFC Nasaf and Al Duhail SC of Qatar in February while Al Ahli will end their League Stage challenge against UAE sides Al Wahda FC and Shabab Al Ahli.

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