Mosimane’s Esteghlal FC drops points in AFC Champions League
Pitso Mosimane’s Esteghlal FC dropped two crucial points on Monday evening after a 0-0 with Pakhtakor FC in the AFC Champions League.
The match was played at the Rashid Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. In this one, both teams were reserved in their approach.
And there was nothing to separate them at the break, though, with Mosimane’s men dominating in terms of possession. Ultimately, the match ended in a goalless draw.
After five rounds of matches in this tournament, Esteghlal FC has managed to collect a paltry four points.
They have moved to seventh position in the AFC Champions League West group. The top eight teams will qualify for the round of 16 from the 12-team group.
The other eight will come from the tournament’s East group. So far, Al-Hilal Saudi has qualified for the round of 16.
HOW MOSIMANE HAS FARED IN THE LEAGUE IN-CHARGE OF ESTEGHLAL FC
A fortnight ago, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach registered his first league win as the Esteghlal FC head coach when they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Mes Rafsanjan.
Crucially, the slender win ended the Capital Blues’ five-match losing run. On that day, teenage forward Abolfazl Zamani was the hero for scoring the solitary goal to earn them maximum points.
In addition, that was their first clean sheet of the season as their defence successfully held fort throughout the match.
Ultimately, the win saw them leap out of the relegation zone into 10th place, which is four points above the relegation zone.
Plausibly, after losing his first three games in charge, Mosimane’s tactical prowess was felt as Esteghlal were more determined compared to previous outings.
Prior to that win, the former Bafana Bafana mentor had endured tough outings, losing 3-1 to Kheybar FC.
That was followed by another agonising 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tractor FC. Neymar Jnr’s Al-Hilal rubbed more salt into their wounds after humiliating them 3-0 in the AFC Champions League.
At the moment, Mosimane is beset with the need to revive his men’s confidence in all departments.
They have been porous in defence, while their forwards have lacked the cutting edge at crucial moments.
Esteghlal FC conceded eight goals in their last three outings while scoring twice, a far cry from what is expected from them.
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