Al-Hussein Irbid paid the price for individual mistakes and poor tactical choices in a 3-0 defeat to Iraq's Al-Shorta on Tuesday, in matchday four of Group D of the AFC Champions League Two. The result leaves the side facing a tough challenge in the two remaining rounds, and raises questions about several decisions made by the coaching staff before and during the match.
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The defeat was not down to Al-Shorta's superiority or their ability to take their chances alone. A series of errors helped the Iraqi side, most notably the performance of backup goalkeeper Mahmoud Al-Kawamleh. He failed to cover for the absence of first-choice keeper Yazid Abu Laila and looked unconvincing when dealing with the balls that reached him, particularly the second goal, for which he bears much of the responsibility. He also misjudged the first and third goals, making goalkeeping one of the main factors in the result.
Abu Laila's absence, after he was injured in the match against Al-Faisaly in the Professional League, was a significant blow, especially as he had been performing at a high level recently. However, that does not change the fact that Al-Hussein needed a better showing from Al-Kawamleh in a match of this size and importance. Al-Shorta's game was an important opportunity to boost the club's chances of contesting the group lead.
Tactically, the head coach's choices did not work as well as they should have. The starting line-up featured changes that raised questions, most notably the exclusion of Adham Al-Qreishi and Ahmad Al-Salman from the opening XI. Both had impressed in recent matches, and the team needed to keep the players who had shown understanding and the ability to add value in recent games.
The playing style the coaching staff chose also failed to deal with the Iraqi opposition. Al-Hussein looked far from the form they showed in their earlier matches in the competition, and could not impose their style or limit the danger from Al-Shorta, who exploited the spaces and mistakes to take control and secure a comfortable win.
Individualism also stood out in most of Al-Hussein's attempts on goal. Several players preferred to shoot themselves rather than pass to team-mates in better positions, which contributed to the team failing to find the net against an opponent whose goalkeeper, Jalal Hassan, was outstanding.
The defeat means the coaching staff must review its technical choices, both in the starting line-up and the style of play, especially as the team faces two crucial matches where the same mistakes cannot be repeated if it wants to continue its continental campaign and reach the next round.
Despite the heavy defeat, Al-Hussein's chances of qualifying for the round of 16 remain alive, though cautiously. The side sits second in the group with 5 points, behind league leaders Al-Shorta on 10 points, while Oman's Sur SC are third with 4 points, with two rounds left in the group stage.
Al-Hussein need to recover their balance quickly and correct the mistakes shown against Al-Shorta. The qualification race is not yet decided, and the team still largely controls its own fate, provided it regains its form, avoids individual errors and makes the right tactical decisions that cost it a harsh defeat at home.
Al-Hussein face East Bengal of India away in next round five, where they must secure a positive result to take a big step towards qualifying before the decisive match against Sur.
