Al Ahli let Sundowns off the hook – Marino Pusic

In an awkward exchange with a Saudi journalist at the post-match press conference, Pusic was questioned about his approach and substitutions, with the Croatian-born mentor bristling at the criticism.

Pusic insists Al Ahli should have been out of sight by half-time had they taken their chances in the opening minutes but ultimately paid the price for their wastefulness.

"I think we played a really good game today until 20 minutes into the second half. In general, I think there was one team that should've led by two or three goals; it was us. And I think this game was a game of missed chances. Unfortunately, I think we gave them the momentum in the second half after 20-22 minutes, and they created something out of the free kick," said Pusic .

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"And after that, we suffered a little bit. But I heard that you are a fan of one of the players; that's your right.But I think we've been very good in the game until that moment. Nothing special happened, we lost some initiative. And in the end, we conceded this goal, and it had nothing to do with the changes."

"You can always pose questions when one team is losing. I think it's not the correct question. I think it's not a correct one.

When this team is doing what we did tonight and how we played tonight and how we actually represented ourselves, you shouldn't ask that question. There was one team that should've made a big difference in the first half, and it was us."

Pusic did not take away from the fact that the African champions are a solid outfit, however he blamed his own Ahli players for being lacklustre. 

The experienced coach added that there were some genuine lessons from failing to get past Sundowns in Tshwane.

Asked about the improving standard of the Saudi Pro League, the Ahli coach insisted the investment is beginning to produce dividends.