Pusic says Al Ahli paid for missed chances in Sundowns defeat

Al Ahli coach Marino Pusic said his side allowed Mamelodi Sundowns to recover from a dominant first-half display before losing 2-1 in their FIFA Continental Cup match at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

The Saudi Arabian club created enough opportunities to establish a commanding lead, according to Pusic, but failed to take them before Sundowns turned the game around in the second half.

Pusic was also involved in a tense exchange with a Saudi journalist during the post-match press conference, after being questioned about his tactics and substitutions. The Croatian-born coach rejected the suggestion that his changes had contributed to the defeat.

“I think we played a really good game today until 20 minutes into the second half,” Pusic said.

“In general, I think there was one team that should’ve led by two or three goals; it was us. And I think this game was a game of missed chances.

“Unfortunately, I think we gave them the momentum in the second half after 20-22 minutes, and they created something out of the free kick.”

Sundowns’ response left Al Ahli under pressure for the remainder of the match, with Pusic acknowledging that his players struggled after the South African side gained control.

“And after that, we suffered a little bit,” he added. “But I heard that you are a fan of one of the players; that’s your right.

“But I think we’ve been very good in the game until that moment. Nothing special happened, we lost some initiative. And in the end, we conceded this goal, and it had nothing to do with the changes.”

Pusic maintained that questions about his approach were being shaped by the result rather than the overall performance.

“You can always pose questions when one team is losing. I think it’s not the correct question. I think it’s not a correct one,” he said.

“When this team is doing what we did tonight and how we played tonight and how we actually represented ourselves, you shouldn’t ask that question.

“There was one team that should’ve made a big difference in the first half, and it was us.”

Although critical of Al Ahli’s finishing and second-half display, Pusic did not underestimate Sundowns, describing the African champions as a strong team.

He said the defeat also provided Al Ahli with meaningful lessons after they failed to progress against the side from Tshwane.

Pusic was subsequently asked about the rising standard of the Saudi Pro League. The Al Ahli manager said the investment being made in the competition was beginning to produce results.