Coach Duc Thang did not attend the press conference, Malaysian players are confident of defeating SLNA
(Baonghean.vn) - This afternoon (April 23) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, a press conference was held before the AFC Cup 2018 match between host Johor Darul Ta'zim and Song Lam Nghe An. Coach Duc Thang did not attend the press conference, instead, assistant Nguyen Huy Hoang attended.
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| Assistant coach Nguyen Huy Hoang and captain Pham The Nhat at the press conference. Photo: Johor DT |
On the way to Malaysia, SLNA only brought 16 players without the services of Ngoc Toan, Ngoc Hai, The Cuong, Phuc Tinh, especially goalkeeper Nguyen Manh due to injury. The two goalkeepers registered were Le Van Hung and Tran Van Tien.
SLNA's coaching board decided to let foreign player Olaha Michael rest at home. Pham Xuan Manh was not allowed to play because he had received enough cards. So in this match, SLNA placed high hopes on young stars in the attack line such as Ho Tuan Tai or Phan Van Duc.
Speaking to the Malaysian press, assistant coach Nguyen Huy Hoang said: "Before going to Malaysia, we did not have the services of some important players, but SLNA will try our best to devote ourselves to the flag and the brand of Song Lam Nghe An club."
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| Assistant coach Nguyen Huy Hoang represented coach Duc Thang at the press conference. Photo: Johor DT |
As for the home team, although the chance to continue is not much, they are determined to win all 3 points with the hope of getting a ticket to continue (the second team with good results) and also to show gratitude to the home fans.
Speaking to FOX Sports Asia, home team player Syafiq Ahmad said: “This is one of our big games of the season and we are looking forward to a resounding victory to qualify for the knockout stages. We have trained hard for this game. Although we did not have much rest after the match against Pahang FC, our mental strength will overcome our tired legs."
Commenting on their opponents SLNA, who defeated Johor Darul Ta'zim 2-0 in the first leg, the Malaysian national team striker said: "They are a disciplined team built on many quality young players. However, we will not be intimidated. I think it is important for us to play aggressively from the start and get an early goal."
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| Both Vietnamese and Malaysian football representatives have had many changes in their squads before the rematch. Photo: Johor DT |
Also according to Fox Sports Magazine, veteran midfielder Safiq Rahim is likely to return to the squad, while S. Kunanlan and even Syafiq may have to compete for a starting position. Currently, Persija Jakarta has qualified to play in the regional semi-finals, SLNA is also the team that has the opportunity to win a direct ticket.
Johor Darul Ta'zim are in a slump after winning only two matches against Persija (3-0) and Tampines Rovers (2-1). The Malaysian champions have secured a place in the 2019 AFC Champions League, Fox Sports believes this could be the last appearance of the Malaysian giants in the second-tier tournament of the region. Therefore, Johor DT certainly wants to end the 2018 AFC Cup with the best results.
The final match in Group H, between Johor Darul Ta'zim and SLNA, will take place at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow, April 24, Vietnam time, and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports./.
AFC Cup 2018: SLNA goes to Malaysia with a patchwork squad
(Baonghean.vn) - After a goalless draw against B. Binh Duong right at Vinh Stadium, Coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team will leave for Malaysia tomorrow (April 22) to meet Johor Darul Ta'zim Club. The final match of Group H will decide the ticket to the knockout round of the AFC Cup 2018.