GROUP H: What the coaches said…

AFC CUP 2009

THU DAU MOT: Francisco Vital is hoping Binh Duong’s 3-0 win over Valencia in the AFC Cup on Tuesday will inspire a revival after the Vietnam champions impressively brought a four-game losing streak to an end.

The run had led to calls for the Portuguese coach to resign but after bouncing back from last week’s defeat by Home United in style against the Maldives champions in front of their home fans, Vital is confident it will kick-start a turnaround in fortunes.

Left winger Luong Minh Trung opened the scoring after 14 minutes and after South African striker Philani Kubheka saw his shot deflected into the net by Valencia midfielder Ahmed Shafiu before the break, Huynh Kesley Alves sealed the win three minutes after the hour mark.

“My players combined well together,” said Vital. “This victory means a lot to us.

“We had to win to have a chance of going through to the next round, while it will also give us a big lift to help us deal the more difficult games to come.”

Valencia failed to provide enough support for lone striker Nkemi and coach Jozef Dzurjack admitted Binh Duong were simply the better side.

“It was a good game,” he said. “We played better in the first match and did not deserve to lose by as many. But Binh Duong turned out to be too strong for us to deal with.”

Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority top Group H after maintaining their 100% start with a 2-1 comeback win over Singapore’s Home United.

Shi Jiayi’s 24th minute long range effort had put the visitors ahead, but second half strikes from Narongchai Vachiraban and substitute Supakit Jinajai sent PEA three points clear at the top of the table.

“I was very proud of my team for the way they turned things around,” said coach Thongsuk Samphangsit.

“In the first half, we attacked but we just couldn't convert our chances. The players came out in the second half much more motivated.”

Opposite number PN Sivaji was pleased with Home United’s first half display, but conceded PEA deserved the win after completely dominating after the break.

"We started well, looking for the win, with a lot of possession and created attacking opportunities and we got a goal early which kept spirits very high,” he said.

"We struggled in the second half under tremendous pressure. We didn't manage to keep the ball, we lost it all the time, we completely lost the midfield.”