Own goal proves costly for the Central Coast Mariners in AFC Cup

The Central Coast Mariners wasted a host of chances in their AFC Cup loss to Terengganu FC in Malaysia.

A-League champions Central Coast Mariners made a losing start to their AFC Cup campaign in Malaysia after Melbourne City scrounged a draw in their scoreless opening Champions League encounter.

Playing after the recent departure of title-winning coach Nick Montgomery, the Mariners dominated their Group G contest against Terengganu FC only to lose 1-0 after Central Coast defender Nathan Paul deflected a cross from Nurillo Tukhtasinov into his own net late in the first half.

The Mariners – whose side included star attacker Alou Kuol, who rejoined the club in July after two years in Germany – wasted several chances, with Colombian winger Angel Torres among the culprits.

Aziz Behich of Melbourne City controls the ball du against Ventforet Kofu. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The result came after Melbourne City’s own AFC Champions League started on a flat note at AAMI Park on Wednesday night, with the powerful Australian club held to a 0-0 draw by Japanese second-tier outfit Ventforet Kofu.

Kofu, who qualified for the competition by winning Japan’s Emperor’s Cup last season, proved more than a match for the A-League heavyweights, who were expected to win the Group H clash on home soil.

However, it was perhaps unsurprising that Kofu looked the sharper and the better organised of the two teams given the Japanese season is nearing its completion, while Melbourne City’s A-League campaign does not start until next month.

City needed some fine saves by veteran goalkeeper Jamie Young, and the assistance of the woodwork, to ensure they grabbed a share of the points.

City captain Jamie Maclaren said: “In a way it’s two points dropped because we’re at home and you expect to always win but it’s early doors for us.

“We’re in pre-season (for the A-League) still and that’s the positives we’ll take.”

Originally published as Own goal proves costly for the Central Coast Mariners in AFC Cup