Streppel happy with one goal advantage

Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira head coach Jurgen Streppel felt his side could have scored more goals but was happy to have secured a 1-0 win in the first-leg of their Mohammed VI Champions match against Oman’s Al Nasr.

Zayed Al Ameri struck the only goal of the game in Saturday’s last-32 round match at Salalah Sports Complex to boost their hopes of advancing to the next stage.

Despite missing Ali Mabkhout, Khalfan Mubarak and Omar Abdulrahman, Streppel was pleased with the performance of his players but believes Al Jazira should have been more clinical in front of goal.

“We won 1-0 but I feel we could have done a better job by scoring more goals. However, we are happy that we have won the match,” said Streppel during the post-match press conference.

“Playing in their home stadium, Al Nasr made it very difficult for us. This is what we expected because having analysed them, they give the opposition a hard time.

“With the score being 1-0, there was always a chance for them. They fought until the minute, creating opportunities but am pleased with the efforts of my players.”

Serbian defender Milos Kosanovic made his debut after arriving during the summer while Streppel also named new signings Brazil’s Keno and South African midfielder Thulani Serero in his starting 11.

Streppel said it was important to give minutes to his players ahead of Thursday’s opening match in the Arabian Gulf League.

“It was the first time we have used this line-up and it was very encouraging to have won the first leg.

“It is always good when you win every match and this will be good preparation for our first game of the league season,” he said.

Al Jazira will host Al Nasr in the second leg at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Sept. 23.

The club has a rich and successful history, winning the Federation Cup in 2006, The Gulf Clubs Championship in 2007, as well as the Etisalat Cup in 2009-2010.  

Al Jazira also clinched the Arabian Gulf League in 2011 and repeated the feat in 2017.

Their three President’s Cup successes were achieved in 2011, 2012 and 2016, while they also finished fourth in the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup.

Al Jazira Club nicknamed as The Pride of Abu Dhabi, play their domestic and AFC Champions League matches at the 38,000-seater Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and is among the best clubs in the UAE. 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah is among the high-profile footballers to have played for Al Jazira, whose squad boasts talented UAE and foreign players.

Al Jazira is well known for supporting the home-grown talents, and the club has the best football academy in the country; one of the academy top graduates is Mabkhout, the historical goal scorer of Al Jazira, and the top scorer of the Asian Cup 2015.