KOLKATA: Devastated after losing to Chennaiyin FC on 2-4 aggregate in the Indian Super League football semifinals here, Atletico de Kolkata forward Iain Hume today blamed the defeat on the lack of work ethic of his team.
Requiring a 3-0 win to overturn their first leg deficit, ATK beat Chennaiyin 2-1 in the semifinals second leg today but that was not enough for them to go through to the finals. Chennaiyin, who beat ATK 1-0 in the first leg, booked a final berth on 4-2 aggregate.
ATK scored through Dejan Lekic and Hume himself but their hope for a third goal went up in smoke after their former player Fikru Teferra struck an injury time goal to seal a final berth for Chennaiyin.
ATK coach Antonio Habas was furious and was seen shouting at referee Yudai Yamamoto, protesting the alleged unsporting behaviour of the opponents. Habas was later sent off by the referee.
"Refereeing was decent today but it was poor Saturday. It's been up and down the whole season. The end of the game was ruined by lack of (work) ethic. We're devastated not going into the final," Hume told the post-match news conference.
Hume said his side tried their best but it was not enough.
"We worked hard so hard today. We were the best team from the start. We played as we had nothing to lose and the coach (Habas) told us to remain positive. We're a great group of guys, the coach put together a good side. We're one of the most attractive teams this season, and were the first to make playoff. It's a pleasure to be with them," he said.