Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
After watching his side out-gun S.League champions Tampines Rovers in Singapore last week, East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan is expecting a much more subdued affair when the two sides meet again at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Tuesday.
The Indian side moved to the top of Group H, ahead of Vietnamese side Saigon Xuan Thanh on goal difference, after a pair of second-half goals by Andrew Barisic helped them to a 4-2 victory at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Wednesday night.
But while the pace and guile of East Bengal ultimately proved decisive in Singapore, Morgan expects things to be different for the afternoon match in Kolkota as his side go for a win that would put them within touching distance of a spot in the last 16.
“We are in a good position in the group and we hope to qualify for the Round of 16,” said the understated Englishman. “If we win it will be a massive step towards qualification.
Morgan believes that the weather conditions for the afternoon game in Kolkota, which kicks off at 3.15 pm local time could also have a bearing on the result.
“The soaring temperatures and dry heat will affect both teams, but even more on Tampines,” he said. “The game will not be as fast as it was in Singapore.
With seven points from three games and a six -point advantage over both Tampines and Malaysian side Selangor, East Bengal are close to a spot in the Knockout Stage of the AFC Cup for the first time since 2004.
Tampines have yet to manage a victory and slipped to the bottom of the group on goal difference after their defeat by East Bengal. While coach Nenad Bacina has plenty of respect for the Indian side, the Croatian does not feel that the conditions will be to the advantage of either team.
“The hot weather could be a factor but it will affect both teams as the kick- off is scheduled at 3.15 pm,” said Bacina, who will welcome back captain Fahruddin Mustafic from suspension.
“We don’t have any special plans for thwarting the East Bengal strikers and midfielders. But we hope that Lady Luck, who deserted us in Singapore will be back with us.”
Goalkeeper Sasa Dreven and winger Imran Sahib have been treated for knocks in training but both are expected to be ready for the game on Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, Saigon travel to Malaysia to face Selangor, also knowing that a win could help to seal their place in the Round of 16.
Emeka Oguwike’s brace in Ho Chi Minh City saw the Vietnamese side triumph 2-1 last week but coach Tran Tien Dai is expecting a much sterner test for his side at Shah Alam.
“We may have won at home but Selangor are a strong team to play away and it is not going to be easy, said Tien Dai.
“Their number 10 (Francis Doe) made it difficult for us in the first game so we need to mark him out.
Selangor may be in a difficult position in the group but coach Irfan Bakti is not throwing in the towel yet.
“Even though the chances of us progressing are slim but there is still slight hope,” he said.
“We have to win all our matches. However, we also have to do proper planning as we also have a hectic league campaign and some players need rest.”
Midfielder K. Gurusamy will not be available on Tuesday after picking up a knock in a recent league game against Darul Takzim but Slovakian imports Michal Kubala and Peter Chrappan will be fit to play.