Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Male: Coach Hassan Hameed has instructed his New Radiant side to think of their crucial AFC Cup match against Group H leaders Persib Bandung of Indonesia as a “final” with their tournament destiny at stake on Wednesday.
Should Hameed’s side lose to Persib, and Ayeyawady United avoid defeat against bottom side Lao FC in Wednesday’s other Group H tie, then the Maldivians would be eliminated from the competition. And if Ayeyawady were to defeat their Laotian visitors, then New Radiant would also need to beat Persib.
And despite losing their first meeting with Persib 4-1 in Bandung, Hameed is confident that his team will show an improved performance in Male despite the tough test that awaits them.
"It's an important game for us and we will try to win the game. We will think of it like a final match,” said coach Hameed.
“Based on the first leg we are very confident that we can win the game at home.
“We made some mistakes in that match but things are different for this home game.”
Persib Bandung coach Emral Abus, though, is well aware that victory over New Radiant could see his side win the group with a match to spare, on the condition that Ayeywady also fail to beat Lao FC.
And even just a point in the Maldives would be enough for Persib to secure, at the very least, their place in the Round of 16.
“All the players are ready and we are fully prepared for the game and to get three points,” said Persib coach Abus, who is looking for an improvement in his side’s performances on the road.
“Our two away games finished with a draw but we hope that we can change that. We can win the game against New Radiant even though they are a good team.
“New Radiant are likely to play an attacking game, and the weather could be a problem, but we have to be prepared for that.”
In Myanmar, Ayeyawady coach Marjan Sekulovski is clear on the task at hand when they host Lao FC.
A win and New Radiant failing to beat Persib will put them into the Round of 16, while at least a draw with Lao FC and New Radiant losing to Persib would also be enough.
“I want 100% from my players and if that’s enough for a win then I’ll be happy,” said Sekulovski, whose side drew 2-2 with Lao FC in their first meeting in Vientiane.
“Last time we faced Lao they came back at us with two goals in three minutes, but I think in the end that was a fair result.
“Wednesday will be a different game; both sides have more experience in the AFC Cup and if Lao want to go past the group stages then they have to take home a win. After this game I think things will be a lot clearer in this group.”
Sekulovski will, however, be without the services of defender Zaw Ye Tun for the tie due to suspension.
Their visitors Lao FC, meanwhile, will be at the last chance saloon in terms of the AFC Cup Round of 16 hopes.
Nothing but a victory will be sufficient to keep coach David Booth’s tournament debutants in the running in a fortnight’s time.
“Wednesday will be a completely different game from our first meeting – players that were missing from the Ayeyawady side have returned and I expect them to play a much stronger team,” said Lao FC coach Booth, who coached the Myanmar national side in 2003.
“One thing that stood out for me (when working in Myanmar previously) was the hunger and willingness to work hard, to put things together and to improve.
“I’m sure that’s still the case and it’s the foremost thing in football; Myanmar players have that desire.”