Amman: Al Ahed coach Bassem Marmar says his side needs to guard against complacency when they host Al Wehdat in the second leg of the 2019 AFC Cup West Zonal Semi-finals next week.
The Lebanese side had stunned their hosts, defending resiliently and snatching a goal in the final quarter of an hour to earn a valuable 1-0 win in Amman on Monday.
Goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil starred as Al Ahed weathered a storm of attacks, and Al Wehdat striker Baha Faisal hit the woodwork, but it was Mohammad Kdouh who settled the match with a header to send his side into the second leg with a crucial lead.
“Beating Al Wehdat in the first leg does not mean we reached the [West Zonal] final,” said Marmar.
“There is still a bumpy road ahead and the return leg in Lebanon will be difficult.
“The players put in a performance of a lifetime and played with a real team spirit which enabled us to get the result."
Al Ahed contested the AFC Cup eight times before this year. Their best performance came in 2016 when they reached the semi-finals.
Last year, they exited at the West Zonal Semi-finals, but the Lebanese champions are determined to make 2019 their year.
“Our aim is to win the AFC Cup. We are working hard and are determined to do Lebanese football proud."
Source: the-afc.com