Daei determined to see Saipa top

The Iranian champions recorded their first-ever win in the competition as they defeated their counterparts from the United Arab Emirates with Issa Traore scoring just before half-time and Karim Ansarifar rounding off the win in the 57th minute to put the Saipa fans in a festive mood a day before the Iranian New Year.

"We didn't play as well in the first half as we did in the second but we were still the better team," said Daei.

"After the goal the boys played much better and carried out my instructions. We created more chances and should have had a penalty.

"We've been playing well for the last nine weeks and the players really believe in themselves. Every time they play, they only think of winning.

"From the first match I believed that we would finish top and I still think that, but the players must not get complacent.

"They have to keep playing like this because people have certain expectations of Saipa and now that we are one of Iran's representatives, we have to meet those expectations."

The defeat is Al Wasl's second in the competition, following a 1-0 home defeat to Iraq's Al Quwa Al Jawiya last week, heaping even more pressure on coach Ze Mario.

"Saipa were the better team but we haven't done ourselves justice in either match," said the Brazilian.

"The more you lose, the harder the next match becomes, but I still think it's too early to say who will win the group."

Speaking about the security of his job, Ze Mario added: "When I came here, the team were fifth and I told them that while I couldn't guarantee results, I would improve performances.

"There's nothing I can do if they want to sack me."