Lone goal from substitute Harib Andellah in the last 15 minutes gave Shabab Alahli first 3 points in this season’s AFC Champions League, after beating shahr Khodro 1-0 in the matchweek 3 of the competition.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, head coach Gerard Zaragoza was pleased with his side’s performance.
“I would like to congratulate my players who played really well in our first competitive match in six months. They fought hard and earned the three points,” he said.
“It was not easy for us to play after such a long break, a lot of work was required to prepare a team that can show the world we are ready.
Both sides will be in dire need of a result when they face-off again on Thursday, with a defeat spelling elimination for Shahr Khodro and leaving qualification out of Shabab Al Ahli’s own hands.
Gerard added: “It will not be easy to prepare for the next game especially with just two days between the two matches. Also, now we know Shahr Khodro up close and they know us too. At the same time, we have 22 players in our squad, and they are all good and capable of fighting and playing at a top level.”