Al Ahli boss Marino Pusic still unhappy with goals conceded despite Gharafa win

Al Ahli head coach Marino Pusic says his side deserved their 2-1 victory over Al Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite, but admits he remains dissatisfied with the goals they continue to concede.

The defending champions secured their third win in the competition’s league stage after Ivan Toney opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Florinel Coman equalised for Al Gharafa early in the second half before Matheus Goncalves struck from distance in the 86th minute to restore Al Ahli’s lead.

The result moved Al Ahli to seven points and second place in the standings. Al Gharafa remain without a point in 15th, one place from the bottom.

“I am very happy with the victory and I believe we deserved it,” Pusic said in comments reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We were excellent from the beginning in maintaining our level and controlling the match, but we did not make the most of that dominance to settle the result in the first half.”

Al Ahli created several openings before the interval but were unable to extend their advantage.

“We had big chances and could have decided the match in the first half, but we are playing with a congested schedule and in difficult competitions against big and strong teams,” Pusic added.

“We will try to improve. This was a very important win, and that is the most important thing.”

Pusic calls for further improvement

Although he praised his players’ efforts and the gradual progress being made by the team, Pusic said Al Ahli have not yet reached the standard he wants.

The break in the schedule had given the coaching staff an opportunity to work on several technical aspects, but the number of goals conceded remains a particular concern for the Croatian manager.

“I see improvement in the group’s work day by day, and the players are working hard and showing great commitment,” he said.

“We must not forget that the pressure of the matches consumes a great deal of their energy, but I have not yet reached the level of performance I aspire to with Al Ahli.”

Toney put Al Ahli ahead after only four minutes with a shot from inside the penalty area.

Al Gharafa drew level in the 53rd minute when Coman scored with an effort from inside the 18-yard box.

Goncalves then secured victory for Al Ahli four minutes from full-time, finding the net with a long-range strike.