The fighting spirit shown by Al Ahli’s second string will see them through their Arabian Gulf Cup challenges, according to boss Cosmin Olaroiu.
The Red Knights were missing 10 players on Monday as they began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 triumph at home to Emirates Club.
Although Brazilians Lima – who opened the scoring – and Everton Ribeiro were essential to victory, less-heralded players such as winger Saeed Ahmed and defensive midfielder Humaid Abbas – who also scored – laid the platform.
“We played in very difficult conditions and this made it a lot harder,” Olaroiu said. “We were trying to find a balance in the middle and we created some situations from there. After we made changes, we controlled the game. We scored and we did not concede. I am very happy for the players who played today. They showed good spirit and this is very important for us.”
Confirmation about the impending record-breaking €17m (Dh70m) purchase of forward Moussa Sow failed to arrive last night, despite Fenerbahce previously setting a deadline of Monday.
Olaroiu did not seem flustered though and declined to heap pressure on his impending arrival, refusing to compare him to Asamoah Gyan – his star man while at Al Ain from 2011-13.
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He said: “Moussa Sow is one player and Asamoah Gyan is another. Gyan confirmed his quality, with Sow we will see.”
The result continued the Falcons’ losing start to 2015-16, following a 2-1 Arabian Gulf League-reversal at Al Nasr last week.
“In the first half, we created chances, but Ahli also had good chances,” boss Paulo Comelli said.
“I did not think the foul was foul for the second goal, but we didn’t lose because of it.
“Ahli were more efficient, they deserved this victory. We always take each competition seriously. We will wait for a victory in the second game and look to progress from there.”
