Central Coast Mariners have develop into the primary Australian membership to win the AFC Cup as Mark Jackson’s aspect triumphed 1-0 over Lebanon’s Al-Ahed to assert the trophy in Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Stadium.
Change Alou Kuol scored six mins from day to seal the win within the Asian Soccer Confederation’s second-tier match within the utmost last sooner than the pocket’s membership tournaments go through an important revamp then within the time.
“I’m very happy for the win and to secure the trophy for Australia and for my club,” Kuol mentioned, who used to be offered off the bench within the sixty fourth little.
“(Jackson) said to give the boys energy and to work hard, work for the team and we got the reward for it.”
A disturbing and tepid sport appeared to be heading for remaining day when Kuol latched onto Ronald Barcellos’s via cross to slide the ball between the legs of Al-Ahed goalkeeper Mostafa Matar to attain.
Victory comes on the finish of a pace through which Central Coast clinched the A-League Premiership.
Jackson’s aspect nearest face Sydney FC within the semi-finals of the home playoffs, as they give the impression of being to safe the A-League Championship identify gained utmost time.
There have been only a few supporters within the stands in Oman however Mariners bottom member Bob Brooks used to be cheering from his house at the Central Coast.
“When we won, I went outside on my deck at the front and shouted at the top of voice, but I had warned all the neighbours that there might be some noise.”
One supporter fortunate plenty to be within the near-empty stands used to be inaugural Mariners teacher Lawrie McKinna.
“It was 36 degrees, it was a roasting hot night and a very, very tight game and the Mariners keep doing what they do well and they ground out the game,” McKinna mentioned.
‘The slight membership that may’
Mariners intervening time leading government Adam Thomson mentioned the match’s $2.3 million prize cash shall be smartly spent.
“It’s bigger than that, it’s staking our claim within Asia and as an international brand, but also to show we can play off Australian soil and achieve greatness,” he mentioned.
The workforce has taken 21 flights to ten nations throughout Asia since September.
They now go house for the semi-final first leg in opposition to Sydney FC on Friday evening on the Sydney Soccer Stadium sooner than the go back leg in Gosford on Might 18.
Coined “the little club that could”, the Mariners are rewriting their moniker to “the little club that can”.
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ABC/AAP
Posted 32m ago32 mins agoSun 5 Might 2024 at 10:33pm, up to date 8m ago8 mins agoSun 5 Might 2024 at 10:56pm
