Al Ahli coach Marino Pusić praises Mamelodi Sundowns’ cohesion after defeat

Al-Ahli Saudi FC coach Marino Pusić has praised Mamelodi Sundowns for their possession-based football and cohesion after the South African side defeated his team 2-1 in their FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash.

Sundowns secured victory on Saturday through a brace from Portuguese forward Nuno Santos, despite Al-Ahli creating opportunities to change the outcome of the contest.

Pusić said Sundowns’ ability to retain possession and their understanding, developed over a long period together, made them a difficult opponent.

“We knew that they are a very good team and that they have been together for a very long period,” Pusić told reporters.

“They are a good playing team and they are very good in ball possession as well. They showed it.

“But I think we controlled that part pretty well without conceding big chances until the last 20 minutes of the second half.”

The Croatian coach believes Al-Ahli were also able to exploit some weaknesses in the Sundowns defence but failed to capitalise on their opportunities.

Pusić said the game could have taken a different direction had his side converted their chances at crucial moments.

“I think we used their weaknesses in a good way. We just didn’t score the goal at that moment,” he added.

The Al-Ahli coach also congratulated Sundowns on their victory, while highlighting the benefits of the continuity within their squad.

“I knew, and we knew, that they are a good team because they have been playing together for a long period,” Pusić said.

“They have a lot of automatisms and they are a fit team as well, so they are always a tough opponent to face.

“But, like I said, if I look at the chances, if we score at the right time, in the good moments, it could have been a very different game for them.”

The result underlined Sundowns’ ability to compete against opponents from outside Africa, with their organisation and possession game proving decisive in the contest.

For Al-Ahli, Pusić will be left to reflect on missed opportunities as his side were unable to turn their promising spells into goals.