Bonacic delighted to progress

AFCCL - Sepahan coach Luka Bonacic was delighted to see his side overcome Saudi Arabian rivals Al Shabab in their crunch AFC Champions encounter and qualify for the last eight.

Hassan Maaz’s own goal just after the half hour mark proved the difference between the two sides and saw the Iranians top Group D by three points ahead of their rivals.

Despite only needing a point to go through, Bonacic was pleased they secured all three and felt Sepahan were much the better side despite the slender margin of victory.

“Sepahan dominated Al-Shabab and I have to admit that I'm glad we’re celebrating qualification after a memorable victory and not a simple draw.

"We were hampered since the games in group stage were really close together, which didn't let us have enough time to rest and renew our strength.

“I promised club officials last year that I would win both the Hazfi Cup championship and progress from the AFC Champions League group stage.

“I'm happy to have been able to achieve both and we can now have a shot at winning the competition.

“Al-Shabab were a good side but failed to do anything special against us and didn't create many scoring opportunities.

“After the goal, we controlled the game to leave the pitch with all three points. "

Al Shabab coach Jose de Morais, on the other hand, disagreed with Bonacic’s assessment, feeling his side held the upper hand through out and should have won the game.

However, an angry de Morais was disappointed his own players failed to implement his tactics throughout the 90 minutes.

"Sepahan were more powerful in defense and that was one of the main reasons for our loss,” he said.

“Of course, we had several chances, but missed them all.

“That we outplayed Sepahan during the whole first half was undeniable and as far as playing systems and tactics are concerned, we were the better side.

“Sepahan had won their last match 5-0 in Syria so their players' morale was boosted and helped them to play at their top level.

“Some of my players don't actually carry out my orders on the pitch and make decisions by themselves.

“Had you been in my shoes - in a coaching position - then you could have understood me better.

“Their disobedience bothered and annoyed me a great deal during the whole match. "