AFC Cup RD16: New Radiant v Selangor preview

New Radiant were the top scorers in the Group Stage with 20 goals in six games as Popov’s side won Group F after posting five wins.

And with a place in the quarter-finals at stake at the National Stadium, Bulgarian coach Popov will be looking to Ashfaq Ali to add to his personal tally with the striker having contributed eight goals in the competition this season.

“I respect them but I am not afraid. Selangor is a serious solid team,” said Popov (pictured).

“But I will never change our style because if I change we may lose. I prefer to try to win and lose 3-0 or 4-0 than be cautious and lose 1-0.

“We need a lot of concentration because it’s only one game. One mistake and you’re dead. Maybe one goal will decide the game and I hope this is for us. I hope to make it by a little bit more and my personal target is to win the game against Selangor.”

Popov is boosted by the return of Waheed Rilwan after the defender missed New Radiant’s 6-1 win over Indonesia’s Persibo two weeks ago due to suspension.

“Selangor are among the best clubs in Malaysia. They are a very good team with good foreigners,” added Popov.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but it’s OK, we don’t have any pressure.”

Selangor secured their place in the last 16 after edging out Vietnam’s Sai Gon Xuan Thanh due to a superior head-to-head record after claiming a crucial 3-2 win over Tampines Rovers in Singapore at the end of April.

And with Selangor also knowing they only have one chance in the one-off Round of 16 tie, coach Irfan Bakti has also promised an attacking mind-set from the visitors.

“Now we are in the second round, we are here to win the game. There is no second chance for us, so we will go for a win,” said Bakti.

“We have to attack; we can’t wait for extra time or penalties. We will attack as we want a win.

“I don’t know much about Maldivian football, but I know New Radiant is a very strong and we have to be very careful with them.”