Al Ain’s Zlatko Dalic still optimistic after draw at home to open Asian Champions League

Semi-finalists as recently as five months ago, Al Ain started their latest continental campaign far from their best with a scoreless draw against Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia, reports John McAuley.

Diaky Ibrahim, left, of Al Ain takes on the Al Shabab (KSA) defence during their Asian Champions League match at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on February 24, 2015. Anas Kanni/Al Ittihad

Al Ain 0 Al Shabab 0

Man of the match Lee Myung-joo (Al Ain)

AL AIN // With more than a nod to the occasion, Zlatko Dalic emerged from the tunnel at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday night sporting an altogether new guise.

The Al Ain manager, perennially kitted out in trainers, jeans and trusty purple polo shirt, took his usual spot on the touchline, but this time had spruced up significantly: black suit, white shirt, shiny black shoes. This was the Asian Champions League, after all.

The Croat returned to the stage that last year brought so much cheer – from where he began what until now has been a gleaming Al Ain career – but in truth his clothes were the only thing that sparkled.

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Semi-finalists as recently as five months ago, Al Ain started their latest continental campaign far from their best. A 0-0 draw against Al Shabab, the Saudi Arabian side, was not what they were after, but without key conductor Omar Abdulrahman, and with Asamoah Gyan only just back from African Cup of Nations duty, in reality there should be little to lament.

Nothing is won on Champions League opening night, but a point can at least provide the platform for another pop at the knockout stages. Although, understandably disappointed, dapper Dalic acknowledged as much.

“Our target is always to pass the group and it’s important to start with three points, but we didn’t lose at home to Al Shabab,” he said. “Last season we had 11 points, which was enough for first position. I believe in my players.”

Their performance may not have betrayed it, but that trust is well placed. In another contrast to last season, Al Ain embark on this Champions League in fine fettle domestically, sitting joint top of the Arabian Gulf League.

Here, though, Shabab simply proved too stubborn – too intent on departing with a share of the spoils – and other than a speculative effort in the 81st minute, they granted Khalid Essa a quiet evening in the Al Ain goal.

At the other end, Ibrahim Diaky spurned the hosts’ best opportunity, which arrived when the enthusiastic crowd, large in number and voice, had barely taken to their seats. Played in on goal in the fifth minute, the midfielder failed to supply enough of a finish to secure his side the perfect start.

Typically, Gyan led the line for Al Ain, but the Ghanaian is clearly still finding his feet after seven weeks away with his national side. Top scorer in this competition in 2014 – he managed 12 goals in all – this time Gyan contributed only two attempts on target. Given recent exertions, he obviously requires some patience.

“Gyan is not firing as before, but I hope he will become better from this game,” Dalic said. “He is our best scorer and one of our best players – our job is to back him. Hopefully, he will be ready soon, we need him.”

Dalic’s mood differed substantially to that of counterpart Jaime Pacheco. The Shabab coach left the stadium beaming broadly, club scarf around his shoulders, like the proverbial cat that got the cream.

“Al Ain is a very strong side, have good players and are one of the teams who can win the title,” he said. “That’s why I congratulate the players for their performance.”

Star performer

Lee Myung-joo (Al Ain) The South Korean was typically industrious at the heart of the host’s midfield. He provided a clear-cut chance in the opening exchanges, which Ibrahim Diaky could not convert.

Underperformer

John Antwi (Al Shabab) The bulking striker did nothing to disturb the Al Ain backline, although he was starved of decent service throughout. Still contributed little and was substituted on 67 minutes.

Key moment

Diaky’s chance in the fifth minute. Slipped through on goal by Lee, the midfielder attempted to flick the ball over the Shabab goalkeeper but failed to connect. It would have gifted Al Ain the perfect start.

Al Ain rating

6/10 Last year's semi-finalists huffed and puffed without ever really hurting their opponents. Created a few decent half-chances, but could not make the breakthrough.

Al Shabab rating

5/10 The visitors offered next-to-no threat and mustered only two shots on target. An away point in the group opener, though, was a fine return for their performance.

Our verdict

Al Ain were disappointed with the stalemate and rued their lack of a killer touch. Yet a predominantly rusty display suggested they have much room to improve. Expect them to get better as the group stage progresses.

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