Vale - 'Goal on half time hurt us'

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 2 February 2023

TANGIER, Morocco - Jordan Vale has praised Auckland City FC's performance against Al Ahly but believes Hussein Elshahat's goal was the blow that cost City the game.

Al Ahly were too good for the Oceania champions in the end in a 3-0 win but Vale pointed out the positives in a City performance that suffered due to a goal just before half time.

Further goals by Mohamed Sherif and Tau Percy capped off a memorable night for coach Marcel Kohler's team.

"We had a very good first half and we were sharp and defended well and passed the ball nicely but the goal just before half time hurt us.

"We came out in the second half fighting but they got the second goal which was unlucky then they came alive and it was difficult for us.

"We came out with lots of energy but that second goal made it tough and the third goal meant that it wasn't our night. We wanted to go further in the competition but it wasn't to be.

"We've had good runs in this competition before but Al Ahly deserved their win," he said.

Auckland City FC depart Morocco immediately and arrive back in New Zealand on February 4.

Ends

Match Result
FIFA Club World Cup 2022
Thursday 2 February 2023
Al Ahly 3 (Hussein EL SHAHAT 45'+2', Mohamed SHERIF 56', Tau PERCY 86')
Auckland City FC 0
HT: 1-0.
Red Card - 3. Adam MITCHELL (AC) 90'+7'.

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Cam HOWIESON (c), 8. Gerard GARRIGA (17. Reid DRAKE 78'), 10. Dylan MANICKUM (16. Joe LEE 78'), 11. Ryan DE VRIES (9. Angus KILKOLLY 71'), 12. Regont MURATI, 13. Nathan LOBO (14. Jordan VALE 71'), 20. Emiliano TADE (19. Liam GILLION 55'), 21. Michael DEN HEIJER.

SUBS NOT USED: 2. Mario ILICH, 4. Christian GRAY, 18. Finn DOCKERTY (GK), 23. Matt ELLIS, 24. Cam BROWN (GK), 25. Takuya IWATA.

INJURED: 15. Aidan CAREY.

COACH: Albert RIERA.
ASSISTANT: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
TECHNICAL: Jarrod WALLACE
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
DOCTOR: Dr. Craig EDWARDS