DOHA, Qatar (Reuters) – Al-Duhail defender Youssef Ayman said his side’s numerical disadvantage played a decisive role in their 2-1 defeat by Umm Salal in the 15th round of the Doha Bank Stars League.
Al-Duhail were reduced to nine men during the match, a factor Ayman said had a clear impact on both performance and result.
“We entered the match aiming to win and take all three points, but we faced difficult circumstances after two of our players were sent off, which clearly affected the course of the game,” Ayman said after the match.
Despite the setback, Al-Duhail briefly drew level early in the second half.
“Even though we were playing with nine players, we tried in the second half and managed to equalise, but then we conceded from a set piece,” he added. “That’s football – there are wins and losses.”
Ayman said the team would look to respond in the coming fixtures.
“We will do our best in the upcoming matches to get back on track,” he said. “We have to double our efforts to achieve that goal.”
