Al Ahli Wad Madani coach Aliyu Zubairu has attributed his side’s elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup to Nairobi's altitude, arguing that the unfamiliar environment affected some of his players during their 1-0 defeat to Tusker FC.The Sudanese outfit bowed out of the competition after losing to Tusker at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday. Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsChris Erambo’s second-half settled the return leg, handing Tusker a 3-2 aggregate victory in the first preliminary round.Zubairu, speaking after the match, pointed to the difference in weather conditions between Sudan and Kenya as one of the factors that made it difficult for his players to maintain their performance levels, particularly in midfield.“When it comes to tactical, it comes with various factors such as the weather. The Kenyan weather sometimes you does not have enough oxygen. When you come from a side with enough to a side that doesn’t have, then it’s a challenge and culminates to natural effect. That came up against some of the midfielders and they were not able to cope up,” he stated.The Nigerian tactician’s side had opportunities to take control of the contest, particularly through Wagdi Awad, Ibrhima Camara and Assan Gibba, who repeatedly troubled the Tusker defence.##NAJAVA_MECA_952995##However, their inability to turn those chances into goals ultimately proved costly as Tusker capitalised on one of their opportunities to settle the tie.Zubairu admitted that his charges had themselves to blame for failing to make their chances count, while also acknowledging Tusker’s efficiency in front of goal.“Football is all about winning or losing or draw. Every side ain’t a minnow, but we didn’t use our chances and Tusker did so, and that was the difference and we definitely have ourselves to blame,” he added.Tusker’s decisive moment arrived shortly after the hour mark when Erambo finished clinically to break the deadlock.Tusker coach reveals tactical switch that overcome Al Ahli MadaniThe Harambee Stars midfielder was picked out by Collins Ongou's well-weighted delivery before opening up his body and delicately guiding the ball with his right foot over advancing goalkeeper Mohammed Abdallah and into the net.The goal put Tusker 3-2 ahead on aggregate and forced Al Ahli to chase the game, but the Sudanese side could not find the response required to extend the tie.Despite creating several openings in the closing stages, the visitors were unable to breach Tusker’s defence as the Brewers held on for a crucial home victory.The result sends Tusker into the second preliminary round, where they will meet the winner of the tie between Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars and South Sudan’s Al-Ghazal FC.STARS ABROAD : Abuya helps Yanga advance as Maina opens Bundesliga accountThe defeat marks yet another frustrating early exit for Al Ahli Madani from continental competition. The Sudanese club had also been eliminated at the same stage last year during their maiden appearance, making this their second consecutive failure to progress beyond the opening preliminary round in their second attempt.
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