Hong Kong: Composure and concentration are the key for Kitchee coach Abraham Garcia as the Hong Kong champions prepare to open their AFC Cup Group F campaign against Filipino side Kaya FC on Tuesday.
Although they suffered a heavy defeat to three-time winners Kuwait SC (pictured) in the quarter-finals of last year’s competition, Kitchee have now reached the knockout stage in the last four tournaments.
Kitchee did, however, fall at the first hurdle in AFC Champions League qualifying after a 1-0 defeat at Vietnam’s Hanoi T&T at the Preliminary Stage 2 but they will look to bounce back against continental debutants Kaya in the AFC Cup.
“We played well in our game in AFC Champions League qualifying and I’m sure will do well in the AFC Cup as long as we play calmly and with confidence,” said Garcia, whose side drew 1-1 with Southern District in the Hong Kong Premier League on Saturday.
“You always have to compete and do better than the other team, and to respect them as well – we have to do our talking on the pitch and take our chances.
“We have international players and players who represent Hong Kong, so I am sure we’ll do very well especially at home.”
Garcia’s opposite number in the dug-out Joel Villarino is in no doubt of the challenge that faces his AFC Cup newcomers, but UFL Cup winners Kaya will look to make an impact nonetheless in their maiden campaign.
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“We’re excited to come here as this is our first time in the competition and first time in Hong Kong,” said Villarino.
“Kitchee have good players and a lot of experience in this tournament, so we’ll have to make up for that and we’ll definitely try our best in the game.”
Also in Group F on Tuesday, Maldivian champions New Radiant host Bhalestier Khalsa of Singapore.
Now into their eighth AFC Cup, the club see a familiar face back at the helm with Bulgarian Yodran Stoykov, who was coach of the team in 2005, returning to New Radiant after a spell at Mahibadhoo SC.
“Football has changed a lot during the last 10 years and things have changed a lot since 2005,” said the former Maldives national coach.
“That’s why they have invited me to build the new face of New Radiant. Although this new managerial change has meant our preparation started quite late we will take this game very seriously as the Singaporean team is a very strong side.
“Nevertheless, we still believe that we can win Tuesday’s game.”
Visitors Balestier Khalsa are appearing in their second AFC Cup campaign following last year’s debut and are prepared for a tough opening to the 2016 edition.
“Singaporean teams that have played New Radiant before have all agreed that they are a difficult team to play against especially in their home ground,” said Balestier Khalsa coach Marco Kraljevic, whose side opened their S.League season earlier this month with a 1-0 defeat to Young Lions.
“We just played one game so far, and unfortunately we lost, and New Radiant is ahead of us in terms of experience.
“But, you know, in football anything can happen. I am sure if we play as a team we can beat them.”
Source: the-afc.com