Seydou Sano (L)
Doha, Qatar: Seydou Sano was glad to have delivered after his last gasp goal secured Al Gharafa SC a 1-0 victory against UAE’s Al Wahda FC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 tie on Monday.
The win moved the Qatari side to six points and kept their Round of 16 hopes alive with two matches remaining.
“I want to thank the head coach and the entire Al Gharafa team because the match would be tough,” said Sano.
“We believed in ourselves and earned the three points, which was important to stay in the race. We are very proud to win and will continue working hard to seal qualification.”
Sano turned in Aron Gunnarsson’s layoff in the 87th minute with head coach Pedro Martins praising his players’ determination in a match which saw both teams reduced to 10 players.
“It was a very important match for us to qualify for the knockout stage. The first half was tough, with Al Wahda playing better, but we still created the best chances,” said Martins. “The second half was completely different, we controlled the game, dominated possession and created many opportunities.
“Even after booth teams were down to 10 men, the team adapted well, showing strong tactical flexibility. We need to be more clinical in finishing our chances, as small details like these decide matches.”
Dimas Teixeira admitted that pivotal moments in the second half turned the game, resulting in already-qualified Al Wahda suffering their first defeat of the season. “We dominated the first half and didn’t give Al Gharafa any chances. In the second half, a penalty against us and a red card for our goalkeeper (Mohamed Al Shamsi) changed the game,” said Teixeira.
“Strategically, it affected us and they created more opportunities. Unfortunately, the red card made a big difference.” Al Wahda, on 13 points, will face tough encounters against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC and Al Hilal SFC in February while Al Gharafa will aim for wins against Al Ittihad Club and Tractor FC of Islamic Republic of Iran in their bid to seal a Round of 16 spot. AFC
