Pušić: Saudi Football’s Struggles Against Africa Part Of Development Process
Al Ahli coach Marino Pušić believes the struggles of Asian teams against African opposition are part of football’s development process rather than simply a question of quality or investment.
The 55-year-old coach was speaking after Al Ahli suffered a 2-1 defeat to reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
The defeat means Al Ahli have become the latest Asian champions to suffer against African opposition since the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup was introduced in 2024.
In the inaugural edition in 2024, Asian champions Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates lost 3-0 to Egyptian side Al Ahly, who were then the African champions.
A year later, Egyptian club Pyramids defeated Al Ahli 3-1 in the competition, while Al Ahli had won the Asian Champions League again this year before facing Sundowns.
Pušić was asked why Asian teams have struggled against African sides in the competition, but the Croatian coach pointed towards the broader development of football rather than attributing the results to one specific factor.
“As I said, it’s about developing football in general,” said Pušić, who replaced Matthias Jaissle after he left to join Newcastle United.
“And once you make a lot of investments in that part, there could be a difference, of course. But I think in Saudi Arabia, you also have a lot of good local players.
“So, it’s a general development process, and that’s why Saudi teams are having problems with African teams, as you mentioned. But I think that’s not only a matter of the quality of investment.
“As I said, when you see this game tonight, it’s also a matter of the moments that you need to take as a team and then get through the game in a good way.
“As I said, I think Saudi football is on a good path to develop and become stronger and stronger. And, yeah, we can see that as well in the Champions League games.”
Pušić also praised Sundowns after the Brazilians secured victory and lifted the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, highlighting their ability to control possession and their continuity as a team.
“Good team, and they have been together for a very long period. They are a good playing team,” he added.
“And they are very good in ball possession as well. So, they showed that tonight. I want to congratulate them as well because they are winning this cup. Congratulations to the team.
“And I knew, and we knew, that they are a good team because they have been playing together for a long period, as I said. They’ve also played together for the national team for a long time, and they have a lot of quality and optimism. They are a fit team as well.
“So, always a tough opponent to face. But, one more time, as I said, if I look at the chances to score at the right time, in a good moment, that could have been a very different game for them.”
The result sees Sundowns continue their journey in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, with the African champions advancing to the FIFA Challenger Cup.
Sundowns will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexican club Toluca and the eventual Copa Libertadores winners.
If Sundowns win the Challenger Cup, they will reach the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions and automatic finalists.
