Players gave everything I asked for: Lemos

Abahani coach Mario Lemos termed yesterday’s 4-3 win over April 25 in the first leg of the AFC Cup inter-zone semifinal playoffs as a team performance as he felt the players gave everything he had asked of them.

“It was a team performance. We did really well and gave everything on the ground; the boys fought till the last minute even though we made some tactical mistakes which have to be fixed. No one expected us to win, but we scored four goals and I’m happy,” Lemos said at the post-match press conference.

“It was a really good match for everyone but not good for my heart. We tried to stick to our game plan to defend well and play counter-attacks, keeping Sunday [Chizoba] and [Kervens] Belfort upfront. I think we executed the game plan well even though we conceded three goals. We did not allow them to play and we succeeded,” the 33-year-old tactician said. “Scoring four goals against a team who conceded only two in group stages is a big achievement and I want to thank the players, who gave everything I asked for.”

The match’s most valuable player Sunday Chizoba, who scored two second-half goals, felt they should continue this momentum into the second leg, which takes place in Pyongyang on August 28.

“We worked hard for this match and we beat them without some key players like Mamunul [Islam] and [Alaaeldin Nasr] Eissa. This win is not only for Abahani, this win is also for Bangladesh. I want to thank God and the supporters, who came to the stadium to support us. We have to continue this performance in the next match,” said the Nigerian.

“Team spirit was everything behind this achievement as we had missed some key players. However, the coach inspired us by saying that injury is part of the game and we can win the match if the rest of players give their best. Initially we were under pressure because they are a pretty good side. After this win, we don’t have any pressure in the away match,” said midfielder Sohel Rana.

April 25 coach O Yun Son said, “Our ambition was to draw the away match. Now we are looking forward to our home match where we will try to give our best.”