Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: Bunyodkor boss Mirdjalal Kasimov sees travelling to Australia to meet Adelaide United for the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final encounter remaining to be a challenge for his team but is positive that his players will be ready for any situation.
The two teams were drawn together in the last eight during the ACL 2012 Knockout Stage draw at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
The four-time Uzbek league champions had finished second in Group E behind Adelaide to whom they lost 2-1 at home before drawing 0-0 when they travelled to the Australians’ venue at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The Swallow then went on to stun 2010 champions Seongnam Ihlwa Chunma of Korea Republic 1-0 in the Round of 16 to punch their ticket to the quarter-final.
“In general, none of the eight teams who advance to the quarter-finals can be considered an outsider. Each team has passed through a difficult path and they are worthy of respect,” Kasimov (pictured) told the-afc.com via email.
“Adelaide United for us is not a bad option. We will meet with the team whom we know better than any other of the eight quarter-finalists. We have twice played against Adelaide in the group. We know the strengths and weaknesses of the Australian team, and know all about the style of play.
“However, we have a difficult flight, which can create problems for us. But, we are ready for any situation and we want to continue the successful performance in the tournament.
“We will play the first match away, which gives us an advantage. However, the benefits and challenges will depend on the state in which the team will be just before the match.”
The two group stage rivals will renew their acquaintances with the Aussies playing host for the first-leg match on September 19 before they travel to Uzbekistan for the second-leg clash on October 3.