AFC Champions League
Dutch midfielder Paulissen claimed a brace while Gil Martins, Everton Camargo and Jose Angel were also on target as Lee Man notched up an impressive 5-1 win over Bali United at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday to set up the meeting with Urawa on Tuesday.
A place in the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 will be at stake when Lee Man travel to Japan and the former Cambuur playmaker will go into the meeting with the J1 League side confident after a goal-scoring start to his career in Hong Kong.
“It’s a great feeling if you can start like this,” said the 30-year-old. “I think we prepared very well, we watched a lot of video of our opponents. We knew where the chances were in the pockets in midfield.
“The feeling was great, the atmosphere, a lot of fans. I think we gave them a good game. Before I was not thinking we were going to win 5-1, so I think for Hong Kong football it’s a great night.
“We showed that we can be compared with good teams. Bali United are a really good team. We, however, showed we are also a good team. The quality is good, but also the atmosphere I like.
“It’s just the beginning. I want to play, I want to win titles with Lee Man and I think this is a good start. We gave the fans a good night I think.”
Lee Man made light work of the threat presented by Bali United, with Paulissen putting the hosts ahead in the eighth minute.
A 12th minute own goal by Tsui Wang Kit levelled the scores before Gil put Lee Man back in front a minute later while the home side doubled their advantage through Everton in first half injury time.
Second half goals from Paulissen and Angel completed the resounding win to leave Bali United coach Stefano Cugurra disappointed by his team’s performance.
“The two Brazilian wingers that they have played very good football today, quality football,” Cugurra said of wide men Gil and Everton. “They were strong on the offensive and the marking of my team could not stop them.
“We didn’t have too much idea (about Lee Man), we have never played against a Hong Kong team and their league hasn't started yet. I think they performed very well and want to congratulate them. They played very good football.
“In the first half we had some chances and if we could score a second goal, maybe we would be more motivated in the game, but after they scored the concentration and motivation went very low in my team.”
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