Tianjin Teda coach Zuo Shusheng rued the draw with Central Coast Mariners in the Asian Champions League and is hoping for much-improved performances.

Tianjin went ahead against the Mariners but found themselves down in the second half before We Wei'an saved the day with an equaliser.

Zuo said the chances of qualification for his side were now slim but still hopeful.

"It's not over yet," said Zuo.

"Anything could happen since not all games have been played yet.

"We are still going for victories as long as our qualification chances are there, though the chances do look slim now.

"I will give credit to my players for their never-say-die attitude, particularly at the time when we were one-goal down.

"It was a shame that we couldn't claim a win at home in front of the sell-out crowd," added Zuo.

"Both sides had the chances to win today and it was down to who were more capable in terms of shooting skills.

"We gained a lot of experience from this game since we were not used to games that were as physical as this one.

"The Australian side provided us with valuable experience on how to organise the defence against high balls."