Soccer News of Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Source: ghanasoccernet

Gyan crashes out of Asian Champions League

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan crashed out of the Asian Champions League on Tuesday as the 1-0 home defeat to Iranian club Esteghal was the final death knell in Al Ain’s disappointing campaign.
The UAE club needed a victory and an Al Rayyan win against Al Hilal in Group D’s other game to stand any chance of progressing to the round of 16.
But Gyan’s club failed to break the well-drilled defence of the Iranian powerhouse at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal secured second spot, regardless, after a 2-0 away win over their Qatari opponents.
Esteghlal sealed top spot with a final tally of 13 points, one more than Hilal, who join them in the knockout stages.
Al Ain ended their campaign on six points, two more than bottom side Rayyan. Al Ain’s slender hopes of progression were dealt a severe blow even before kick-off as playmaker Omar Abdulrahman was restricted to a place on the bench following a knock in training.
And as the game got under way, and the Boss lined up in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation, Gyan struggled to cope with the young playmaker’s absence as he did not get the desired supplies to finish off Esteghlal.
Gyan’s side will look to put the disappointment behind them as quickly as possible though, with a President’s Cup semi-final against Al Ahli to prepare for on Sunday next as they pursue a league and cup double, having already secured the Pro League championship last month.