The Central Coast Mariners have made history, becoming the first team in the A-League to take home the AFC Cup Championship title.
Days after sealing the A-League premiership, the Gosford-based side was awarded $2.3 million in prizemoney after a tense clash against nine-time Lebanese champions and former AFC Cup winners Al-Ahed at Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex in Muscat, Oman on Monday morning (AEST).
Coming off the bench, Mariners striker Alou Kuol scored the solitary goal in the 84th minute, putting the ball through the legs of Al-Ahed goalkeeper Mostafa Matar to seal the victory and break Australia’s 10 year drought in Asian club competition. The AFC Cup is the second-tier competition, with the Asian Champions League the top club competition in the confederation. The Western Sydney Wanderers won the Asian Champions League competition in 2014 but no other A-League club had ever won a trophy in Asia.
READ MORE: $4.5m ‘bidding frenzy’ to pour fuel on bitter NRL rivalry
READ MORE: Sydney club shattered by mid-match death in England
READ MORE: ‘Fitness’ probed as horror moment sums up sorry Souths
“I’m very happy for the win and to secure the trophy for Australia and for my club,” Kuol said.
“[Coach Mark Jackson] said to give the boys energy and to work hard, work for the team and we got the reward for it.”
Jackson’s team is on track to claim a treble, with no team ever winning the A-League premiership, championship and an Asian trophy in the same season.
“I always knew that we could come here and get the win,” Jackson said after the match.
“It was a really difficult game against a great opponent but we’ve got full belief in the boys.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for the lads, the staff, everybody at the club and the supporters as well.
“On to the next now.”
https://twitter.com/aleaguemen/status/1787226009055474034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The Mariners were recognised with the prestigious Fair Play Award following the match, with Brazilian striker Marco Tulio crowned the golden boot winner, after scoring eight goals during the Central Coast’s group stage.
Football Australia expressed its pride and excitement for the Mariners achievement.
“This victory is a testament to the relentless spirit and dedication of our players, coaches, and support staff,” Football Australia chairman Anter Isaac said.
“The Central Coast Mariners have not only lifted a trophy today but have also lifted the spirits of the entire football community in Australia.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said: “The Central Coast Mariners’ triumph in the AFC Cup underscores the strength and depth of Australian club football and marks an important milestone our long-term vision for Australian football, as we see an Australian club rise to the summit of club football in Asia once again.
https://twitter.com/NickStoll/status/1787180862624141350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“This victory elevates Australia’s stature on the global football stage and inspires future generations of footballers across the nation.”
The Mariners coach praised Socceroos star and Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic for his first-half save, denying Al-Ahed striker Lee Erwin’s excellent chance.
”It was a fantastic save from ‘Vuka’,” he said.
“What a leader (he is) for this football club and long may that continue.
“He’s superb to have in the team. He leads by example.”
The team’s focus now shifts to the first leg of their A-League finals campaign, taking on Sydney FC in the semi finals on Friday night at Allianz Stadium.