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Now we have to ‘prepare for the UAE Pro-League’

Al Wahda came up with their first victory in this year’s AFC Champions League when they beat Group B toppers Iran’s Zobahan by a solitary goal at home at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Wednesday night.

It was Al Wahda’s first win in five games and they handed Zobahan their first defeat. Hasan Amen scored the match-winner in the 72^nd minute.

“We played a very good first half and we controlled the game. The second half was a bit different. We lost control over the match and they put a bit of pressure on us. But we managed to score. We deserved to win this game for the way we played,” Hickersberger said after the game.

Al Wahda are bottom of the pile in Group B with one win and four defeats but Hickersberger said that there was not much difference between the teams in the AFC Champions League. “The teams who feature in the AFC Champions League, the difference is not as big as it looks in the standings. It is pretty equal. It is just that various factors have made it look like that,” said Hickersberger.

Hickersberger said that the heat may have been a factor in Zobahan’s failure to mount a challenge.

“They were not as strong. They were more impressive in the second half. Maybe they had problems coping with the heat. It was hot tonight. They come from a place where the weather is different and pleasant,” he said.

He also pointed out since Al Wahda were already out of contention, there was no pressure on them.

“There was no pressure on us because we were out of contention. Maybe that helped us. They were leading the table so maybe they were under a bit of pressure,” Hickersberger said.

Hickersberger said that their focus is on the UAE Pro-League where they are within striking distance.

“Now we have to forget the AFC and focus and prepare for the UAE Pro-League. We are a step closer to winning the League. We have a crucial game next week,” he said.

Al Wahda lead the standings followed by Al Jazira and Al Ain in third. Al Wahda play Emirates at home on April 24.

Hickersberger said that he would rest some of his players for their last fixture in the AFC Champions League. “Our next AFC Champions League game is against Bunyodkor on April 28 but we have another crucial UAE Pro-League game on May 2. That is a very important match for us. Since, we are playing Bunyodkor away, we need to be careful. We need to be wary about the travel and possible injuries. We have no chance in the AFC Champions League so for sure, I will rest some of the players like I did tonight,” said Hickersberger.

Al Wahda travel to Bani Yas for their last UAE Pro-League league engagement on May 2.