Pitso Mosimane is preparing for his third game at the helm of Esteghlal, hoping to secure his first victory with the team after back-to-back defeats. The South African coach, affectionately known as “Jingles,” has had a challenging start since joining Esteghlal, and Monday night’s AFC Champions League fixture presents another tough test as his side takes on Neymar’s Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena. Al Hilal, currently at the top of their group with maximum points, poses a significant hurdle, and Mosimane is eager to change his team’s fortunes on this high-stakes stage.
Esteghlal currently sits in sixth place in the AFC Champions League’s West table, with only three points from their first three games. Since Mosimane’s recent arrival, the Capital Blues have struggled to find their rhythm, beginning with a 3-1 defeat to Kheybar Khorramabad in his first match in charge. A 2-0 loss to Tractor followed just days later, leaving Mosimane and his team searching for answers to break the losing streak and rediscover their competitive edge.
Ahead of Monday’s clash, Mosimane has expressed respect for Al Hilal’s strong track record in Asian competitions. “They are a big team that is always in the semi-final or final in Asia and they are the champions of the Saudi league,” Mosimane remarked in a pre-match interview. He noted that Al Hilal’s quality is not limited to individual stars but is also rooted in their team cohesion and style of play. “They’ve been playing very well together and play convincing football,” he added, emphasizing that unlike some teams that rely solely on star power, Al Hilal is known for its teamwork and tactical discipline, which have been key to their success.
For Mosimane, this game is crucial not only for points but for morale. A positive result against a formidable side like Al Hilal would signal that Esteghlal is ready to compete at the highest levels of the AFC Champions League and provide a morale boost as they look ahead to domestic league play. Following this matchup, the Capital Blues will turn their attention to the Persian Gulf Pro League, where they face Mes Rafsanjan in a match that could prove pivotal in improving their league standing and easing relegation worries.
Mosimane and his squad are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but they’re equally determined to rise to the occasion. If Esteghlal can put in a solid performance, it could serve as a turning point for Mosimane’s tenure and inspire confidence as they push forward.
