Al Ahli Saudi coach Marino Pusic says missed chances led to Sundowns defeat

Marino Pusic said Al Ahli Saudi did not deserve to lose after their missed opportunities proved costly in a 2-1 defeat by Sundowns in the Intercontinental Cup for Clubs on Saturday.

The Saudi side created several chances in both halves but failed to take them, allowing Sundowns to recover and claim victory.

“I am sad about the result. We missed many chances in the first and second halves,” Al Ahli coach Pusic said in televised comments after the match.

“That is football. If you do not take your chances, you give your opponent opportunities to score, and that is what happened.”

Pusic said the performance had nevertheless left him proud of his players’ efforts.

“Everyone who watched the match can see that we did not deserve to lose, but I am very proud of the great work the team put in,” he added.

The result leaves Pusic facing increased pressure after Al Ahli were eliminated despite the opportunities they created during the game.

Several former Saudi football stars have suggested that the defeat was not only the result of missed chances. They have also questioned Pusic’s management of the second half and the timing and impact of his tactical changes.