Omar Abdulrahman: Man-of-the-match means nothing – being champions of Asia does

Omar Abdulrahman scored and assisted twice in Al Ain's 3-1 Asian Champions League first-leg semi-final victory at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Mohammed Albulouchi / Aletihad

Omar Abdulrahman starred for Al Ain in Tuesday's 3-1 Asian Champions League semi-final first leg victory against Qatar's El Jaish. He spoke to the media at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium afterwards.

Leading by example

Wearing the captain’s armband, Abdulrahman had a hand in all three of Al Ain’s goals, with an assist either side of a superbly taken free kick. The UAE playmaker’s contribution sealed the man-of-the-match award – the seventh time in 11 appearances in this year’s competition. The return leg with El Jaish takes place in Doha on October 18.

Still work to do

“Thankfully we succeeded in achieving a victory in the first match of the Champions League, and we will work to reach the final,” Abdulrahman said. “We are intent on winning again in Doha, but the match is not over, regardless of the outcome of the first leg. It is only half the challenge completed to reach the final. It will not be easy. El Jaish are a strong team who will look to respond from this defeat.”

Individual accolades

“The man-of-the-match title was not achieved by me alone, it was only possible because of my efforts together with the efforts of my teammates,” Abdulrahman said. “The award gives me great motivation and a strong focus to always show my best. But the prize for best player is worthless without winning the Champions League trophy.”

Opposition praise

Sabri Lamouchi, the El Jaish manager, said after the match that, in Abdulrahman, Al Ain boast the most talented player in Asia. When told of the compliment, the creative midfielder said: “Certainly, this is something to cherish, especially from an opposition coach. His words will also make me strive to give my all, and I wish to again lead my team through my performance in the return leg in Qatar.”

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