Africa-Press – Liberia. FC Fassell head coach Amir Alagić says his side’s lack of sharpness and injury setbacks up front were the key reasons the Liberian champions could not break down Algerian giants MC Algers in their CAF Champions League debut on Saturday.
Fassell were held to a goalless draw at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in the first leg of the preliminary round, despite creating the better chances before thousands of home fans.
Alagić, speaking after the match, stressed that his side is still not fully ready.
“We are lacking a bit of attacking power. All our attackers who came on in the second half are still recovering from injuries. They can play, but not at the intensity required for such a game,” the coach said.
“Also, understand that we are still in pre-season. We haven’t had competitive matches like my colleagues, who have already played four or five league games. Our legs are heavy; we just finished training camp in Egypt. It’s not an excuse, but it’s the reality we face.”
Despite the frustration, Fassell created several openings through Ezekiel Koon, Delton Kollie, and Ndene Cissé, but finishing proved elusive.
Substitute Mark Paye added pace after halftime, while captain Theo Nimely drew praise from MC Algers coach Rulani Mokwena, who compared his playmaking to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
Mokwena also singled out goalkeeper Ahmed Savage, who made three crucial saves to deny the visitors. “Savage with his distribution from the back they are a good team. We take the 0-0 and prepare for the second leg,” he said.
Fassell skipper Nimely, meanwhile, thanked the fans for turning out in record numbers.
“They were wonderful. It takes a long time to see the field crowded, and we don’t take that for granted. At least we managed to secure a draw, which is very important for us. In the second leg, we’ll go there and fight, and give more than 120%.”
The draw leaves Fassell with it all to do in the return fixture in Algiers, where they will need a positive result to advance and keep their Champions League dream alive.
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