AFC Challenge League
Kuwait SC are bidding for a fourth continental title while Svay Rieng are aiming for their first after suffering heartbreak in last year's final.
Kuwait SC head coach Nebojsa Jovovic said his side will spare no effort to fulfil the dreams of their fans.
"Really privileged to be in the final of a continental competition. From the final there is just one way. We have full respect for our opponents but what we want is a full stadium and my team knows what we need to do as the whole of Kuwait deserves it,” said Jovovic.
“We are ready and I will tell you one thing - even if we play against any team from Asia, we will bring the trophy to Kuwait. Every final is something different, every final is difficult but we are with full confidence and are ready for it. We will have an answer tomorrow for everything.”
"Really privileged to be in the final of a continental competition. From the final there is just one way. We have full respect for our opponents but what we want is a full stadium and my team knows what we need to do as the whole of Kuwait deserves it,” said Jovovic.
“We are ready and I will tell you one thing - even if we play against any team from Asia, we will bring the trophy to Kuwait. Every final is something different, every final is difficult but we are with full confidence and are ready for it. We will have an answer tomorrow for everything.”
Kuwait SC's journey to the final was filled with challenges, with Jovovic's side advancing to the quarter-finals from a tough Group B, which they topped with seven points.
They defeated Al Shabab Club in the single-leg quarter-final 5-3, but had to survive a scare when the Omani side pulled three goals back after trailing 4-0.
The semi-final against FC Muras United also required grit, with the Kyrgyz Republic side taking the lead but Kuwait SC responded magnificently to triumph 2-1 and Jovovic expects the same resolve from his players on Wednesday.
They defeated Al Shabab Club in the single-leg quarter-final 5-3, but had to survive a scare when the Omani side pulled three goals back after trailing 4-0.
The semi-final against FC Muras United also required grit, with the Kyrgyz Republic side taking the lead but Kuwait SC responded magnificently to triumph 2-1 and Jovovic expects the same resolve from his players on Wednesday.
“We know we will be facing a tough team and we respect them. They are in the final and we know our opponents but the reason why everyone is optimistic (that Kuwait SC) will win is because we are playing at home, the fans will be the 12th player.
“We will use our experience and yes, I have won trophies before but I would exchange all of them for this one.”
“We will use our experience and yes, I have won trophies before but I would exchange all of them for this one.”
#ChallengeLeague - Preview: Final
Svay Rieng enjoyed a more serene passage to the final, with the Cambodian side topping Group D with seven points, having secured qualification with a match to spare.
The challenge of domestic rivals Phnom Penh Crown FC was easily seen off in the quarter-finals, with Svay Rieng triumphing 6-2 on aggregate.
They responded to a 1-1 draw at home with Manila Digger FC with a 3-0 win in the return leg of the semi-finals and head coach Matt McConkey expects a similar performance against Kuwait SC.
The challenge of domestic rivals Phnom Penh Crown FC was easily seen off in the quarter-finals, with Svay Rieng triumphing 6-2 on aggregate.
They responded to a 1-1 draw at home with Manila Digger FC with a 3-0 win in the return leg of the semi-finals and head coach Matt McConkey expects a similar performance against Kuwait SC.
"Mentally, we are ready, we will use our experience from last year when we didn’t get the job done. We have been looking at Kuwait SC’s games and I believe we will give them problems they haven’t faced before,” said McConkey.
“We have had a busy schedule for the past couple of months so once the last game finished, we decided to come here early. First clean week we have had in a while and it was really good. Everyone is ready to go.”
“We have had a busy schedule for the past couple of months so once the last game finished, we decided to come here early. First clean week we have had in a while and it was really good. Everyone is ready to go.”
Leading their charge will be Kwame Peprah, with the Ghanaian forward on a tournament-leading eight goals but McConkey said Svay Rieng will need total team effort if they are to lift the coveted trophy.
"We have strengthened the squad since last season and a lot of the players that we have brought in are experienced. The players from last season have also learnt and improved.
“What we need to do is start quickly. There were some games this season in which we didn’t. We know Kuwait SC are a strong team but if we start well, stick to our plan, I believe we can do it.”
"We have strengthened the squad since last season and a lot of the players that we have brought in are experienced. The players from last season have also learnt and improved.
“What we need to do is start quickly. There were some games this season in which we didn’t. We know Kuwait SC are a strong team but if we start well, stick to our plan, I believe we can do it.”
Kuwait SC (KUW) v Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC (CAM)
Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium (Ardhiyah)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 19:45 (UTC+3)
Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium (Ardhiyah)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 19:45 (UTC+3)
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