Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Singapore: Suspensions to Imran Sahib and Miljan Mrdakovic mean Tampines Rovers coach Salim Moin will have to make do without two key players as the S.League champions prepare to open their AFC Cup Group H campaign against Hong Kong’s Kitchee on Wednesday.
Signed from Greek side Veria in January, Serbian forward Mrdakovic has scored in both games he has started, including the equaliser in Tampines’ 2-1 AFC Champions play-off defeat by South China of Hong Kong, while midfielder Sahib is a former Singapore international.
But after players were shown red cards in the defeat by South China earlier this month, the pair will miss the visit of Kitchee to Jalan Besar Stadium.
“While we will definitely miss the suspended players in Imran and Miljan, but we have quality replacements to take their places,” said Tampines coach Moin, whose side defeated fellow AFC Cup participants and rivals Home United 1-0 on Friday.
"The game against Home United was good for the physical conditioning and mental strength of the players. We defended well against Home and forced their coach to stand up and make tactical changes during the second half after we scored early in the second half.
“I hope we can stand out and perform against Kitchee as we had done against Home United.”
The Hong Kong Season Play-off winners will be also lacking a familiar face after Spanish head coach Jordi Gomez departed Kitchee at the end of last year, with assistant coach Ricky Cheng and Director of Football Alex Chu currently sharing head coaching duties.
Quarter-finalists in the 2013 AFC Cup, Kitchee also faced Tampines in the 2012 edition when they defeated the Singaporeans 3-1 at home and drew the away tie.
"While we had changed the coach we have retained the football philosophy and system of play that former coach, Josep Gombau, had inculcated,” said Chu.
"Possession forms the core of our game as we don't want to waste too much energy, especially in the hot climate in Singapore, and we prefer to play a patient approach towards goal.
"Singapore clubs tend to be more direct in their approach towards goal and they are physical and possess good attributes.”
Also in Group H on Wednesday, I-League runners-up Pune host Nay Pyi Taw of Myanmar.
Making their debut in the AFC Cup having been eliminated in the AFC Champions League play-offs by Vietnam’s Hannoi T&T, Pune come into the game lying in third in their domestic league.
However, Pune coach Mike Snoei brings a squad that has been depleted by injuries including to influential captain Anas Edathodika.
“We have a few players missing like Anas and Arata Izumi, however, the team must step up and give it all. In the meantime, we must not take pressure and try to enjoy these games," said Snoei.
“The home games in the tournament are very important. We should make the most of it otherwise we will be under pressure going into the away games.”
By contrast, Nay Pyi Taw coach Myo Hlaing Win is in a bullish mood after promising start to the league and he has the luxury of selecting from a fully fit squad who currently lie third in the Myanmar National League.
“We have begun our domestic season well. We have played four games and have three wins and a loss so far, but Pune FC come into the game after playing in the AFC Champions League play-offs,” said the Nay Pyi Taw coach.
“We have seen their videos on the internet and know they are one of the toughest team in our group."