Bonacic bullish about Sepahan setback

Boss Luka Bonacic still holds out hope Sepahan can conjure a miracle and turn around a three-goal deficit when they face Al Sadd in the second-leg of their AFC Champions League 2011 quarter-final at Sheik Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The Iranians won the first encounter 1-0 at the Foolad Shahr thanks to Omid Ebrahami's early goal but were then subsequently found to have fielded an illegal player, Rahman Ahmadi, and the Qataris were awarded the game 3-0.

Ahmadi should have been suspended after picking up two yellow cards while playing for Piroozi in the group stages but Bonacic still believes Sepahan can overcome the odds to stun Al Sadd.

"Tomorrow anything is possible," said Bonacic.

"I think there is too much talk about the AFC's decision. Let's talk football. My players feel normal and they are ready for this match. We have come here for a football match we think we can win.

"We have had a good preparation for tomorrow's game. It will be a tough match. After the AFC ruling, we are motivated to win this for our fans. We are definitely motivated to do well."

Ahmadi will now be suspended for Wednesday's contest instead.

"We heard about the decision yesterday (Monday) and we were angry but rules are rules. It just happened. Now it is not a good situation but I would say anything is possible in the future.

"What can I say? He (Ahmadi) played with yellow cards. I can't say anything besides this. Right now we are concentrating on this game. We will give our best. We will show we can play football. I feel normal and my players feel the same way."

Bonacic admitted Al Sadd were overwhelming favourites for the encounter but is optimistic Sepahan's good away form can help bridge the gap.

"It is easy for them compared to us," added the Croatian.

"But remember, we play better away than we play at home. I know the 3-0 situation is difficult for us but we will try to do it for our fans. We will try our best to turn the result in our favour."