Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of recording back-to-back wins in the Asian Champions League Elite have been put on hold.
The match involving his Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr and Al-Wasl was postponed on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) after the United Arab Emirates club reported logistical issues regarding available flights to Riyadh.
The former Socceroos boss’ side had built momentum with four consecutive wins across all competitions, including three straight domestic league victories.
Al-Ain, meantime, continued their perfect start to the western league phase of the competition with a 2-1 win over Tractor FC from Iran as title holders Al-Ahli secured a late 2-1 victory over 10-man Al-Gharafa.
Al-Ain, winners of the trophy in 2024, picked up their third win in a row as Houssine Rahimi scored his fifth goal in three matches with 20 minutes remaining at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
“This competition is important and we need to collect points early on,” said the Moroccan forward.
“That is what we managed to do in these three matches we have played, earning nine points. This is very important for us.”
Al-Ahli made a positive start in Jeddah against their Qatari visitors when England international striker Ivan Toney gave the defending champions a fourth-minute lead, only to see Florinel Coman level eight minutes into the second half.
Seydou Sano’s sending-off for a second bookable offence with 13 minutes remaining left Al-Gharafa short-handed and Al-Ahli took advantage with Matheus Goncalves hitting the winner four minutes from time.
“We know that our primary focus isn’t just being at the top of the table,” said Goncalves.
“We have to qualify, and qualify well, so that afterwards we can take advantage of our home matches and get the job done at home.”
Elsewhere, Saudis Al-Qadsiah drew 1-1 with Al-Sadd of Qatar and Iraq’s Air Force Club picked up their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor.
The first eight finishers in the league phase in west and east Asia – which features A-League Men club Newcastle – will advance to the knockout rounds, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final to be played on a centralised basis in Saudi Arabia in April and May.
With AAP.
