AFC Cup Group H preview

Home United. Photo from sleague.com

Home United coach PN Sivaji has described Tuesday’s clash against Maldives champions Valencia as a ‘must-win situation’ for his team as they look to further their ambitions in the AFC Cup.

The Singapore club are tied on six points with Vietnam’s Binh Duong and Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority in Group H.

With only two teams progressing to the knockout stage, Sivaji knows that it is imperative to get maximum points against last-placed Valencia.

“Valencia have proven no pushovers and have given all of their opponents a run for their money so far,” said the ex-Singapore national coach.

“However, we’re prepared for a tough encounter and will try our best to get three points. In this competition, you must endeavour to pick up maximum points at home so this really is a must-win situation.

“The AFC Cup has special meaning for us as we are one of only two Singaporean clubs to reach the semi-finals. We want to try to emulate that or even go beyond that.”

Valencia were edged 1-0 by Home in Male a fortnight ago but coach Jozsef Djurjak accepts that it will be difficult for his side to manage anything from their remaining games.

“This is a very tough group for us but although we don’t have a good chance of qualifying for the next round, my players will still try to play a good match and get a result,” said the Hungarian.

“If we have to die, we will die hard. But the other three teams have an equal chance to qualify so it will be very tough for us to get something.”

Binh Duong and PEA meet in Vietnam with the hosts bracing for a backlash after their surprise win in Bangkok two weeks ago.

“We know that PEA will do whatever they can to avenge the loss two weeks ago,” warned Binh Duong coach Francisco Vital, whose team capitalised on a pair of errors by PEA goalkeeper Umarin Yaodam to win 3-1.

“They are strong opponents and they could cause problems for my team if they start dictate the rhythm of the match sooner than they did in Bangkok.

“However, we will not allow them to do that and will try to impose our football on them with our strong teamwork.”

PEA coach Thongsuk Samphangsit is hoping that Thailand international midfielder Narongchai Vachiraban will return to form and help inspire his side.

“I just hope Narongchai recovers his form and strength in this match as the team needs him to deliver the balls and dictate the rhythm,” he said.