Al Sadd never stopped believing, says Mujica

Doha: Hat trick hero Rafa Mujica attributed self belief as the key factor for Al Sadd SC s dramatic 4 2 comeback win over Shabab Al Ahli in their AFC...

Doha: Hat-trick hero Rafa Mujica attributed self-belief as the key factor for Al Sadd SC’s dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Shabab Al Ahli in their AFC Champions League Elite tie at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday.

Trailing 2-0 following goals from Federico Cartabia and Yahya Al Ghassani, Al Sadd appeared on the brink of elimination before Mujica turned the match on its head with a superb treble, with Tarek Salman adding a fourth as the Qatari side registered their first win of the campaign to keep their hopes alive.

“We played a great match and it was truly very difficult,” said Mujica.

“We were down by two goals, but the coach gave me confidence and I was able to score three goals. I’m happy that I could help the team and I thank the coach for believing in me.”

Head coach Roberto Mancini praised his side’s resilience and determination after the setback, saying the result could provide a turning point for his team.