Group H preview: Win vital for Vital

AFC CUP 2009

Under-fire Binh Duong coach Francisco Vital has called on his players to put their recent dismal run behind them and reignite their AFC Cup prospects against Maldives champions Valencia on Tuesday.

The Vietnamese champions enter the match at Binh Duong Stadium on the back of four consecutive defeats including a 2-1 loss to Home United in their Group H opener in Singapore last week.

The poor run has led to calls from impatient fans for Vital to resign but the Portuguese believes that his team can turn things around.

“We have paid a big price for wasting our chances in our last four matches especially against Home United. We played well but our finishing has been a problem,” he said.

“I believe that we can correct that when we play against Valencia on Tuesday.

“My players should not forget everything about the last four defeats. They have to learn from it so that they will do something different this week. They have to believe in themselves.”

Binh Duong’s prospects are good with Valencia in a demoralised state after last week’s 3-1 home loss to Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).

“My players are still lacking international experience,” said Valencia coach Jozef Dzurjack

“Most of them are not capable enough to compete at this level. I just hope that they will not make the same silly mistakes like in the first match.”

Tuesday’s other Group H game sees Home United travel to Bangkok to face PEA at Supachalasai Stadium.

Home’s S-League rivals Singapore Armed Forces trounced the Thais in an AFC Champions League qualifier last month but coach PN Sivaji feels that it would be a mistake to underestimate the Thai champions.

“They are a useful side and their 4-1 defeat to SAF was not reflective of how good the team are as they were trying to chase the match after falling behind in extra time,” he said.

“They have good players that we need to deal with effectively. They will also be determined to get three points at home especially after the result against SAF.

“Our objective is go out and win the game but we will not try to take too many risks as an away point would be just as useful.”

PEA coach Thongsuk Samphangsit was guarded about his side’s prospects.

“It will be a tough match as Home United are one of the best teams in Singapore,” said the PEA boss.

“Of course we want three points very much and we intend to field best players,” he added.