Kevin Ardila Disappointed After Tough Loss to Al-Ahly Youth

Al Nasr's Kevin Ardila Vows Comeback After Painful Derby Loss

Kevin Ardila, Al Nasr's forward, has promised to work harder after his team's crushing 1-0 defeat to Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE Pro League. The Colombian striker says one moment of lost focus cost them dearly against their Dubai rivals, but he's confident the team can bounce back stronger in upcoming matches.

A Moment of Weakness Changes Everything

The match at Al Maktoum Stadium was decided in the 95th minute when Shabab Al Ahli scored a dramatic winner. For Ardila, it was a harsh lesson in how the smallest details can determine results at the highest level.

"We lost because of one moment where our concentration slipped against a big team," Ardila told local media. "The loss is painful because we deserved at least a point from this match, but football is decided by small details."

Al Nasr dominated the second half and created several chances, but couldn't find the equalizer. Shabab Al Ahli had been the better side in the first 45 minutes, creating more dangerous opportunities before their late breakthrough.

Gratitude Despite Disappointment

Despite the setback, Ardila expressed deep appreciation for the trust Al Nasr has shown in him since his arrival. The striker emphasized his commitment to repaying that faith through improved performances.

"I'm grateful to Al Nasr because they gave me confidence and the right environment to play, and this is very important for me," he said. "In every match I try to give my maximum for the team."

The defeat marked Al Nasr's first loss of the season in the ADNOC Pro League's fourth round, ending what had been a promising start to their campaign.

Learning from Elite Competition

Ardila acknowledged the challenge of facing top-tier opponents like Shabab Al Ahli, where mental lapses are immediately punished. The experience has reinforced his understanding of what's required to succeed in the UAE's premier football competition.

"Against big teams like Shabab Al Ahli, you have to stay at peak concentration for the full 90 minutes, because any mistake gets punished immediately," he explained. "I tried to score and make a difference but wasn't successful, so I'll work even harder in the coming period to help the team achieve its goals."

Eyes on Recovery

The striker remains optimistic about Al Nasr's prospects, citing adequate recovery time before their next fixture and his confidence in the squad's ability to respond positively to adversity.

"We have enough time to recover and prepare for the next match, and I have great confidence in my teammates that we will come back strong and compensate for this negative result," Ardila concluded.

The result puts additional pressure on Al Nasr to respond quickly as the Pro League season intensifies. For Ardila, it's a chance to prove his worth and help his team get back on track in what promises to be a competitive campaign.