Jeddah: Al Gharafa head coach Andrea Stramaccioni rued the missed opportunity to extend their lead in Group C of the AFC Champions League after an injury-time equaliser by Shabab Al Ahli Dubai denied them three points on Thursday night.
The Qatari side still lead Group C on five points, ahead of Foolad Khouzestan on goal difference who won the earlier match against Ahal FC.
Al Gharafa were on the backfoot in the first 25 minutes but slowly asserted their dominance after Algerian Sofiane Hanni broke the deadlock just before half-time.
 The goal provided Stramaccioni’s players with a spring in their step, creating decent chances but failing to convert when it mattered most.
“It was a sad way to end the match and we are very disappointed because we wasted one big chance. Shabab were very good in the first 25 minutes and our biggest remorse is missing our chances. We have to kill the game,” lamented Stramaccioni.
“There was a big difference between the teams today. We are a young team while our wopponents brought in five players for another five good players. It was important that we take three points early in the campaign but tomorrow is another day and we prepare to face Shabab again.”