Al-Shorta FC coach Moamen Soliman accepted full responsibility for his team’s 4-1 loss to Al-Ittihad, emphasizing that Al-Shorta AFC performance still shows promise in the AFC Champions League 2. The match, held on October 20, 2025, in Saudi Arabia, was the third round of the group stage. Despite the setback, Soliman insisted his team’s chances of advancing remain alive.
During the post-match press conference, Soliman defended his aggressive strategy. He said, “I could have played cautiously and avoided a heavy defeat, but I chose to push for victory.” He acknowledged Al-Ittihad’s stronger roster and financial advantage, noting that Al-Shorta’s entire budget is smaller than a single Al-Ittihad player’s contract. Yet, he refused to use this as an excuse and highlighted his decision to trust the team’s abilities.
The Egyptian coach praised his players’ effort and resilience. “I am satisfied with the players’ spirit. We scored one goal from a set piece and missed four to five clear opportunities,” Soliman said. He also noted that the squad showed strong character while competing against one of the tournament’s toughest sides. He concluded by reminding fans and analysts that the group stage includes five more matches, leaving the competition far from over.
In addition, Soliman underlined the importance of learning from every game. He explained that analyzing mistakes will help improve the team’s performance in upcoming matches. The coach emphasized teamwork, dedication, and adapting strategies according to opponents’ strengths. His focus on continuous improvement reflects his commitment to enhancing Al-Shorta AFC performance throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad coach Sérgio Conceição complimented his team’s performance and preparation. He revealed that he analyzed Al-Shorta’s last four matches and studied their upcoming season plans. Conceição explained that his animated behavior on the sidelines aimed to energize his players and motivate them under the intense match conditions.
The 4-1 defeat serves as a learning moment for Al-Shorta, reinforcing the need for tactical adjustments and mental focus. Fans and analysts continue to watch closely, hopeful that the team can recover and demonstrate improved Al-Shorta AFC performance in the remaining group matches.
