Al-Ahli coach Pusic explains why Sundowns were such a tough opponent

Mamelodi Sundowns’ ability to retain possession and their understanding built over a long period together were key factors in their 2-1 victory over Al-Ahli Saudi FC, according to the Saudi club’s coach Marino Pusic.

The Brazilians defeated the Saudi Arabian giants in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Saturday, with a brace from Portuguese forward Nuno Santos deciding the contest.

Pusic believed Al-Ahli could have taken a positive result from the match, but acknowledged that Sundowns’ cohesion and technical quality made them difficult to overcome.

“Well, we knew that they are a very good team and that they have a very long period being together and a good playing team,” Pusic told the media.

“They are very good in ball possession as well. So they showed it as well.”

The Croatian coach said Al-Ahli had dealt effectively with Sundowns for much of the match and had not allowed their opponents to create significant opportunities until the closing stages.

“But one more time, I said, I think we controlled that part pretty good without conceding big chances until the last 20 minutes of the second half, like I said,” he added.

Pusic also felt his team had identified and exploited weaknesses in the African champions’ game. However, Al-Ahli failed to convert the openings they created at important moments.

“I think we used also their weaknesses in a good way. Only we didn’t score the goal at that moment. I want to congratulate them as well because they have won this cup,” he said.

Sundowns’ long-standing partnership was another feature highlighted by Pusic, who compared their level of collective understanding to that of a national team.

“So congratulations to the team. I knew, and we knew that they are a good team because they are playing for a long period, like I said, they are playing also a national team for a long period together,” said Pusic.

“They have a lot of automatism and they are a fit team as well. So always a tough opponent to face.”

Despite the defeat, Pusic maintained that the outcome might have been different had Al-Ahli taken advantage of their chances at the right points in the game.

“But one more time, like I said, if I see the chances, if we score on time, on good moments, that could be a very different game for them,” he said.