Decisive changes restored balance for Shabab Al-Ahly against Buriram, Thailand

Shabab Al-Ahly coach, the Portuguese Paulo Sousa, revealed that his team went through difficult moments during the match against Buriram United, Thailand, yesterday, but it succeeded in regaining its balance in the decisive moments thanks to the technical changes, to secure qualification to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League for the elite, after winning 3-2 after extending the match time for two additional periods, in an exciting match hosted by Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.

The confrontation was full of fluctuations, after the “Dubai Knights” imposed their advantage at the beginning, and succeeded in taking a two-goal lead, before the Thai team returned and equalized the score, taking advantage of the decline in concentration, to enter the match in a more complicated atmosphere that extended to two additional halves, which were decided by Shabab Al-Ahly with a fatal goal signed by defender Renan.

Pauloa Sousa said in a press conference after the end of the match: “It was a match in which we had many chances, but their goalkeeper saved many of them, including a dangerous chance from Youri Cesar. When we led 2-0, we were unable to maintain control, and we allowed them to return, but in the end we achieved a deserved victory and qualified for the semi-finals.”

He added: “We lost balance within the team, but we restored it through changes. Technically and tactically, we were good and created chances. I am not completely satisfied, but I am happy to qualify.”

Sousa’s reading of the match proved effective, after he brought on both Sultan Adel and Sergio Damian, so that the team regained control of the course of the match at crucial times, which was reflected in the performance in the two extra halves.