Henk ten Cate, the Al Ahli coach, resigned last night after an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at home to Al Sadd in an AFC Champions League little more than a month after taking the job. "I am a proud man," said the Dutchman, who in January became Al Ahli's fourth coach of the season. Ten Cate, who has been a part of coaching teams at some of the world's leading clubs, including Barcelona and Chelsea, added: "I cannot continue with this team any longer. My decision is final. This is the most disappointing day of my life and career. "If I had even the slightest hope that this team could improve, I would have stayed back to fight till the end. But I don't see that happening.
"I cost the club a lot of money, and it is not good for me to take that just for trying. So I will leave without taking any money. I don't want it. I am just not the right man for the club." His troubles began last night when Ali Afif was the first to score for the Qatar club. Leandro then scored twice in as many minutes just before half-time. Yusef Ahmed made it 4-0 in the 65th minute before Leandro completed a hat-trick in the 76th minute.
Al Ain earned a battling point away to the Iranian club, Sepahan, After the four Pro League teams all lost in their opening games of the ACL last week, the point for Toninho Cerezo's side - after a 0-0 draw - added to Al Jazira's away draw in Iran on Tuesday night, at least gave the UAE a little comfort. Al Ain's draw and the Saudi team Al Shabab's 3-1 away victory over the Paktakhor of Uzbekistan has left their group wide open. @Email:sports@thenational.ae
