Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ninh Binh: XM Vissai Ninh Binh coach Nguyen Van Sy has identified strike duo Kyaw Ko Ko and Emerson as the dangers ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Myanmar champions Yangon United in the AFC Cup.
Both sides are the early pacesetters in Group G after AFC Cup debutants Ninh Binh returned from Hong Kong with a 3-1 win over South China, while Yangon recorded a 5-3 home win over Malaysia’s Kelantan.
But after 21-year-old striker Kyaw Ko Ko scored a hat-trick against Kelantan and Brazilian Emerson (Emerson Reis Luiz) added a brace in Yangon, Van Sy has warned his Vietnamese Cup winners ahead of the meeting at Ninh Binh Stadium.
"Yangon United are a strong opponent. They have six international players as well as some players from the U-23 team. They have a dangerous forward pair in Kyaw Ko Ko, who scored a hat-trick in the last game, and their Brazilian Emerson who scored twice,” said Ninh Binh coach Van Sy.
“Yangon proved their ability by the 5-3 victory in the first game at home against Kelantan. I also know that Yangon players are good physically, so this game will be tough.
“But I still believe in a victory because we will play at home and we have had very good preparation with no injuries.
“We have to get three points to give us the chance to progress from the group stage.”
Yangon are making their third appearance in the AFC Cup and Eric Williams’ side are looking to build on last year’s run to the Round of 16 having lost just once in the group stage.
“We are targeting at least one point from this game,” said Yangon team manager Kyaw Lin Htwe.
“We have brought all our best players to Vietnam and we are confident we can reach our target.”
Wednesday’s other Group G encounter will take place in Kota Bahru with Malaysian FA Cup holders Kelantan and Hong Kong First Division champions South China both looking to bounce back from their opening losses last month.
Kelantan lead the Malaysian Super League after a stoppage-time goal by Francis Forkey Doe gave the Warriors a 2-1 win over Lions XII in Singapore on Saturday, but their busy schedule is causing a headache for coach Steve Darby.
“It’s very difficult for us with our league, FA Cup and AFC Cup schedule as we will play 14 games in 42 days and travel 7,000 kilometres,” said the Englishman.
“Other teams in the competition have it easier; South China arrived here on Sunday for a Wednesday game at the same time as we were travelling nine hours from Singapore to Kota Bahru.
“In essence we are victims of our success as we are top of the league and in the FA Cup semi-finals, but it means we almost always have to play our best 11 and that means injuries and exhaustion.
“Our other problem is that Kelantan have lost nine of their first-team squad from last year and it’s hard to replace that quality. The bonus is that we have great character in our side and we have won games this year we shouldn't have because the professionalism of the players is outstanding.”
South China are looking to reach the AFC Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010 and coach Yeung Ching Kwong is looking for an improved performance by his players after their home loss to Ninh Binh.
“We know that Kelantan are doing well in their league, but I don’t want to think too much about how they will play because our aim is to come here to get three points,” said Yeung, who saw his side draw 2-2 with Yuen Long in a league match on Saturday.
“It will be a difficult game because Kelantan also lost their first match so both teams will be going for three points.”