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Sterjovski tells Macarthur to stay focused
Manila: Head coach Mile Sterjovski wants Macarthur FC to not get carried away after sealing their place in the AFC Cup™ 2023/2024 ASEAN Zonal semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Dynamic Herb Cebu FC on Thursday.
The Australian side led from start to finish with goals from Matthew Millar, Jed Drew and Ali Auglah to take top spot in Group F, while Cebu finished third above Myanmar’s Shan United.

Macarthur will play Malaysia’s Sabah FC in the ASEAN Zonal semi-finals while fellow Australian side Central Coast Mariners meet Phnom Penh, with the ties scheduled for February.

#AFCCup - Group F | Dynamic Herb Cebu FC (PHI) 0-3 Macarthur FC (AUS)

#AFCCup - Group F | Dynamic Herb Cebu FC (PHI) 0-3 Macarthur FC (AUS)

“I thought it was a good performance from our team, and we controlled the match. We were disciplined defensively.
 
"We could have scored a few more goals. I was very pleased with the performance."
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“The conditions made it a little challenging for us. We're not used to playing on artificial surfaces, but I think Cebu were much stronger this time. They put up a bigger fight than the last time when we had home advantage.

“We are taking it one match at a time. Our next match is in the A-League, and my focus is on that to make sure our process is the same, and the players remain fit.”
Head coach Joshua Schirmer was pleased with Cebu’s improved performance.

“This was a much better performance. We competed for 90 minutes and we were not as nervous. This is the first time we are playing in this competition, and the players did not know what to expect. It’s a good progression from the first couple of games,” said Schirmer.
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“There’s a reason why they (Macarthur) are the leaders in the A-League. I’m proud of my players for fighting till the very end. It’s a long season, and I hope this is good motivation for the new year to keep the team moving forward and doing well in the league.”