AFC Cup - Pen: Taichung Futuro living a dream

Gaoxiong: Their domestic season may not have started but that won’t stop Taichung Futuro from reaching for the stars in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone semi-finals.

The Chinese Taipei side face Kyrgyz Republic’s Abdysh-Ata Kant, with head coach Pen Wu-shung’s side travelling to Bishkek for Wednesday’s first leg.

Pen, while admitting that he would have preferred to meet Abdysh-Ata at a more opportune time, said Taichung Futuro are determined to prolong their continental adventure.

“As it's the off-season, typically our team would be on a break at this time. Moreover, with the Lunar New Year having just passed, to be honest, it hasn't been easy for us to prepare.

“However, this level of international competition provides greater motivation for both players and coaches. Facing strong teams from other countries is something we relish,” said Pen.

#AFCCup2023 - Group I | Taichung Futuro FC (TPE) 1-2 FC Ulaanbaatar (MNG)

Taichung Futuro earned their place in the Inter-Zone semi-finals in dramatic fashion, edging FC Ulaanbaatar on head-to-head goal difference after finishing level on points with the Mongolian side at the top of Group I.

Ulaanbaatar had taken a 2-0 lead when the two sides met on the final matchday but a 71st-minute header from Hsu Heng-pin sent Taichung Futuro through despite a 2-1 defeat in Kaohsiung.

Pen said his side are living a dream and are determined to continue impressing on the continental stage.

“Making it through from the playoffs to clinch the group stage championship and advancing to the knockout phase has exceeded our expectations."

“The team’s morale is good. Despite being possibly the smallest and most compact team among those entering the knockout stage, we are fully committed to embracing the challenge.”

The return leg will be played on March 13, with the winners to face either Australia’s Central Coast Mariners or Odisha FC of India in the Inter-Zone final.

Pen: Taichung Futuro living a dream

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