Defence our downfall, says Daei

AFC - Saipa coach Ali Daei criticised his side's defensive performance after watching them throw away a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with Iraq's Al Quwa Al Jawiya on Wednesday evening.

Kianoush Rahmati's penalty had given the Iranian champions the lead in the 63rd minute before Ahmed Iyad pulled the Iraqi champions level eight minutes later.

The result means Saipa remain on top of Group B and are still favourites to progress to the knockout phase of the competition, but Daei was unhappy with the showing of his team's backline.

"We didn't defend well enough, but we were still the better team," said the former international striker.

"If we hadn't lost our concentration after the goal we wouldn't have conceded.

"They came to defend and get a draw and they did it well, so I congratulate them for that.

"We had five chances, and didn't take any of them, while they had two and scored from one."

The point means Saipa remain top of the group with eight points from four matches, three clear of the Iraqis and victory in one of their two remaining matches could be enough to seal a place in the last eight for the first time.

Al Quwa Al Jawiya, however, remain in with a chance of qualifying too and coach Hamid Salman was delighted with the result.

"It was a very, very difficult match because we were playing the group leaders but despite not having five first team players we still got an excellent away point," he said.

Salman still harbours hopes of pipping Saipa to top spot.

"Saipa have the best chance of winning the group but if we beat Al Wasl (in May) we'll still have a chance," he said.

"I came here to get at least a point so that we could stay within touching distance of Saipa and make our next match meaningful."