AFC Cup 2016: Group E preview

Published on: 22 February 2016

Bacolod City: Coach Franklin Muescan is confident Ceres La Salle can “prove where Philippine football is right now” when they make their AFC Cup debut against Malaysia’s Selangor in their Group E opener at Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium on Tuesday.

Having missed out on the tournament last year after losing to Maldivian side Maziya Sports & Recreation Club in the play-offs, Ceres avoided any obstacles to the 2016 edition with a direct entry to the group stage after winning the 2015 United Football League.

And the Bacolod City-based side were busy ahead of their maiden continental campaign as they signed Philippines international midfielders in Stephan Shrock and Kevin Ingreso from German clubs.

“We’re very excited about this game,” said Muescan. “It’s our first official AFC Cup game. We really prepared hard and this is our chance to prove where Philippine football is right now.”

Selangor, on the other hand, are no strangers to continental club competition, having famously reached the final of the inaugural Asian Club Championship in 1967, and are making their fifth appearance in the AFC Cup.

 “We want to do well in this competition, because this one of the competitions where Selangor hasn't really gone far,” said coach Zainal Abidan Hassan after Selangor failed to progress beyond the group stage in their last appearance in 2014.

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“Every team in this group is a champion team so it’s important we stay disciplined, especially when you are playing in an away game.

“The Filipino teams are strong, fast and tactically and technically they are not far from the level in Malaysia.”

In Tuesday’s later Group E clash, Bangladesh Premier League champions Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will also make their AFC Cup debut away to S.League runners-up Tampines Rovers.

Their preparation has not been ideal, however, as national team captain Mamunul Islam and his deputy Nasiruddin Chowdhury have both departed Sheikh Jamal for other clubs.

Cameroon-born Vietnamese Nguyen Hang Minh has, though, been added to the shore up Sheikh Jamal’s midfield.

"We are preparing hard, but we are not up to the mark yet. The team knows the prestige of the competition and the players are looking forward to play 100% during the six games in the group stage,” said Sheikh Jamal coach Shafirul Islam Manik.

"I don't fully know Tampines Rovers, but I am aware they are a good side with quality foreigners. Every match will be hard for us."

Opponents Tampines have also delved into the transfer market with the marquee signing of former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant making global headlines as the side look to improve on three straight group stage exits.

“We have a squad boasting extensive international experience and exposure and they are eager to make an impression in the AFC Cup,” said Tampines coach V.Sundramoorthy.

"We have been working on our defensive side of the game, and our defence must play above themselves so that they can prevent our opponents from scoring past us.

"It is a case of our players turning up and performing on the day. If we do that, we will do alright”

Photo: AFP

Source: the-afc.com

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