Andrea Stramaccioni
Al Gharafa are looking for a turnaround in their remaining AFC Champions League Group C matches after suffering a huge defeat against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on Monday.
After playing three 1-1 draws in their opening games, Shabab Al Ahli flipped the switch as they comfortably scored three goals in the opening 45 minutes before finding the back of the net five times in the second half as they left Al Gharafa shell-shocked with an 8-2 score-line.
“It is very difficult to comment after this result,” said Al Gharafa head coach Andrea Stramaccioni.
“The game was balanced when we were 1-1 but we reacted badly and they went 3-1 up. We tried to change the game in the changing room and had one chance after the break but they scored again and we lost the will to recover,” he added.
The Italian tactician will now shift his team’s attention to the two crucial games against Foolad Khouzestan FC and Ahal FC.
“My team is very young and this shows the lack of experience. Before this match, we came from three very good games and now we must show our value against Foolad. Our group is very open so it is in our hands to change the standings in the group. We must win our next game,” said Stramaccioni.
With the win, Shabab Al Ahli moved to second in Group C on six points, two behind leaders Foolad while Al Gharafa slipped to third place on five points. Debutants Ahal FC occupy fourth position with one point.
