Akram Afif: This is an important step towards qualification, we aim to win the second leg as well

Al-Sadd forward Akram Afif described his side’s 3-1 victory over Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League as an important step towards the semi-finals.

Speaking after the match, Afif said: “Al-Sadd are always at their best in the big games and everyone saw our great performance in this game, throughout the two halves. Despite trailing by a goal in the first half, we were the better side and had a number of clear chances that didn’t go our way.”

“In the second half, we managed to make the chances count and scored three goals that have taken us closer to qualification. But there still is a second leg match to be played in Doha, during which we will need to be highly focused. Winning (this game) is not enough to confirm qualification. We consider the real clash to be the second leg in Doha because it will be the decisive game. Every team will fight for the semifinal spot.”

He added: “We need to benefit from this great victory that we achieved at the Azadi Stadium, which is an important step towards qualification. Winning in front of our fans as well will officially send us to the semifinals.”