Makhete Diop shows he belongs with two goals for Al Ahli in Asian Champions League win

Makhete Diop (No 99) goes for a header against Esteghlal during their Asian Champions League tie on February 20, 2017. Antonie Robertson / The National

Makhete Diop made his Asian Champions League debut on Monday, scoring both goals as Al Ahli opened their 2017 campaign with victory against Iran's Esteghlal.

Diop at the double

The Senegalese striker, a winter signing from Al Dhafra, scored in first-half stoppage time to put Ahli 1-0 up at the Rashid Stadium. Esteghlal equalised with 16 minutes remaining, before Diop struck again, heading home Everton Ribeiro’s 89th-minute cross. Ahli, runners-up in 2015, now top a Group A that includes also Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun and Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv.

On a debut to remember

“It’s a perfect match because it was a difficult game, the first in our home and we had to do our best to get the three points — thankfully we did that,” Diop said. “I feel comfortable because before it was my dream to play every time at the highest level, so I feel it’s a good moment for me to play with these best players and to show that I am also the best.”

On emulating Ahli’s 2015 run

“Now we are far from the final, but the most important thing is to qualify for the second round and then after that, game-by-game, you can do it,” Diop said. “But now the final is too far. We have to focus on the group and how to qualify. Then after that we see what happens. My target is to show everybody I deserve to be here and I try to help my team and make my name in the Asian Champions League.”

On his move from Dhafra

“I was at Al Dhafra for a long time — for six years — and I did my best,” Diop said. “The players there are honest and they told me that I must choose big team because I deserve to play with a big team. And in one moment the club made everything and I’m at Al Ahli now. Two years ago at Dhafra, all my dreams were to play for a big team and I worked every day to get this. So now is my time to show everybody that I deserve to be here.”

On why he decided on Ahli

“Since I was at Dhafra, every year when the league finished I had so many offers from teams,” Diop said. “But I chose Ahli because they are a great team: in 2015 they went to the final of the Champions League and they took the UAE championship twice in the last three years. And they have the best coach in the Gulf. So I tried to go there to get some experience and to help them.”

On working under Cosmin Olaroiu

“Cosmin is one of the best coaches because everywhere he goes he wins the championship and makes a good team,” Diop said. “And when I came to Ahli I was impressed with their training. I’m happy to know there’s a high level here.”