Al Ahli players celebrate their win.
Doha, Qatar: Al Ahli head coach Younes Ali praised his players’ commitment and determination after the Qatari side secured qualification to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two, stressing that progression was earned through hard work.
Speaking after Al Ahli’s 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan’s PFC Andijon on Wednesday, Ali said his team had to dig deep against a disciplined and well-organised opponent, requiring focus and tactical flexibility from the opening whistle until the final moments of the match.
“We faced a strong team with a compact defensive structure, and it was necessary to use more than one attacking solution to break them down,” Ali said. “The players showed great effort and discipline throughout the match, and that is what made the difference.”
Al Ahli head coach Younes Ali
The coach expressed his satisfaction not only with the win but also with finishing top of Group B, describing it as a reward for the consistency and intensity shown by his squad during the group stage.
Ali added that his players delivered an outstanding display against tough opposition, noting that their hunger to win and mental strength were decisive. “The scoreline could have been bigger, but what matters most is qualification. The players deserve full credit for this achievement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Michel Vlap, who scored twice and was named Man of the Match, highlighted the team’s unity and high morale as the key factors behind the victory. The Dutch midfielder praised the collective effort, singling out teammates Eric Exposito, Omar Sekou and Julian Draxler, while emphasizing that success was built on teamwork from the goalkeeper through to the forwards.
Vlap also underlined Al Ahli’s determination to present their best image in the competition, saying the squad was fully focused on advancing further and continuing their strong run in the tournament.
