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Dubai: Al Dhafrah coach Mohammad Kwid feels hsi team were unfortunate not to take home at least a point against Al Shabab on Saturday.
Al Dharfrah lost 1-0 to the defending champions, but Kwid felt they were "unfortunate" with the result.
"We played hard and gave it our best," he told a post-match press conference.
Al Shabab had to wait until the 72nd minute for a strike from Surour Salem to take the lead against a stubborn Al Dhafrah defence to take all three points.
"We knew what sort of opponents we were up against, so there were no secrets there," Kwid said.
"Our intention was to catch them on the counter-attacks and get an early goal to put them under pressure. But this did not materialise as Al Shabab regrouped well in the defence.
"If we were able to score against them, we could have given them a tough time for the equaliser.
"They played as per expectations, but I did not expect them to start off with Esa Obaid in the front. Esa's presence on the left gave our defenders a tough time as he tends to use his height well," Kwid added.
Al Dhafrah, who finished tenth last season, have had a modest start to this campaign, taking four points from three matches. Their defeat to Al Shabab was their first loss of the season.
Last week they held Al Ain to a goalless draw after starting the season with a 3-1 win against Al Khaleej.
"I am satisfied with the commitment and the performance of the team. Our aim is to stay in the UFL," Kwid said.
Comment: Cerezo impressed
Al Shabab coach Toninho Cerezo has predicted Al Dhafrah could in for a good season following their performance against the defending champions on Saturday.
"Al Dhafrah don't do too many fancy things, they just play consistently during the full 90 minutes," said Cerezo, who saw his team take the three points thanks to a second-half strike from Surour Salem.
"They have a simple plan and they stick to this - they either attack you on your mistakes or use the quick counter-attacks.
"The entire team plays very tactical football. I am sure a lot of clubs will be in trouble when they play Al Dhafrah. They are going to be dangerous," he added.
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