Maaloul unhappy with early exit

Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul was disappointed with his side’s early exit from the Club World Cup.

The African champions were defeated 2-1 by Qatari side Al Sadd in Japan on Sunday.

Khalfan Al Khalfan and Abdulla Koni were on target either side of half-time for Al-Sadd, and although Ousama Darragi did get one back for the Tunisian side, they were unable to find an equaliser despite dominating the closing stages.

“We were unlucky today,” Maaloul said.

“I expected more, because we can do better, but the team did a great job in the end.”

Maaloul, who enjoyed two playing stints with Esperance in the 1980s and 90s before becoming the team’s coach last December, was disappointed with two controversial offside calls that ruled out goals for his team.

“I won’t criticise the referee, we scored twice and both times they called it offside,” the 48-year-old said.

“I am not sure if the second was a legitimate goal or not but, even if it was a mistake, that happens. Just like the players make mistakes, so do the referees.”

The former midfielder also apologised for the actions of Esperance supporters who, at the end of the match, threw missiles at Al Sadd players and attempted to invade the pitch.

“Things such as (the scuffles with security) are not good, but such things happen at times,” Maaloul said.

“Al Sadd are our friends, and such things shouldn’t happen, and I am very sorry for it.”