AFC Champions League Two
Wednesday’s Group C results saw Bangkok United FC assured of a top two finish after playing to a 1-1 draw with Selangor FC while Sailors revived their hopes with a 3-2 defeat of Persib.
Bangkok and Persib are tied on 10 points, with Sailors three behind with just one matchday remaining.
Bangkok and Persib are tied on 10 points, with Sailors three behind with just one matchday remaining.
#ACLTwo | Group G: Lion City Sailors FC (SGP) 3-2 Persib Bandung (IDN)
Hodak was honest in his assessment of Persib's limitations after the Indonesian side let slip a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2.
“If you score two goals away and still lose, you have to question your defending,” said Hodak. “Before the game, we knew they would play long balls and we were a bit naive in defence today. That was our biggest issue. Offensively, we created chances – aside from the two goals, we had a few more opportunities but the finishing wasn’t there."
“If you score two goals away and still lose, you have to question your defending,” said Hodak. “Before the game, we knew they would play long balls and we were a bit naive in defence today. That was our biggest issue. Offensively, we created chances – aside from the two goals, we had a few more opportunities but the finishing wasn’t there."
“I’m not happy with some of the players who came on. They will have to ask themselves if this was their best and some are simply not at this level. We need to do better at this level and ultimately it’s the coach’s responsibility, so blame me for the defeat. Now we focus on the next game – we must stay focused.”
Persib will seal their spot by avoiding defeat when they host Thailand’s Bangkok on Matchday Six while Singapore’s Sailors have to beat Selangor to stand a chance.
Persib will seal their spot by avoiding defeat when they host Thailand’s Bangkok on Matchday Six while Singapore’s Sailors have to beat Selangor to stand a chance.
“It was a tough match. We knew it was going to be challenging because every game is a must-win for us,” said Rankovic. “We never play for a draw – you have to want to win every game, no matter the opponent. This one was a little more special – the players gave everything they had.
“We had a lot of problems setting up the team over the past two weeks, missing several key players. Credit to the squad – some, like Lennart (Thy), played three different positions, even taking the number six role at one point. That says a lot about the flexibility and quality of this team. Amazing job from everyone, and we’re still alive in the competition.”
“We had a lot of problems setting up the team over the past two weeks, missing several key players. Credit to the squad – some, like Lennart (Thy), played three different positions, even taking the number six role at one point. That says a lot about the flexibility and quality of this team. Amazing job from everyone, and we’re still alive in the competition.”
#ACLTwo | Group G: Bangkok United (THA) 1-1 Selangor FC (MAS)
While Persib and Sailors were left under pressure after Wednesday’s ties, Bangkok head coach Totchtawan Sripan was all smiles.
“Before the game, we knew we only needed a point to qualify for the next stage. But it’s always difficult to play just for a point,” said Totchtawan. “We did well for most of the match and took the lead with our first goal. At the very end, though, we lost some concentration. We had chances to score a second goal, but we didn’t take them."
“Before the game, we knew we only needed a point to qualify for the next stage. But it’s always difficult to play just for a point,” said Totchtawan. “We did well for most of the match and took the lead with our first goal. At the very end, though, we lost some concentration. We had chances to score a second goal, but we didn’t take them."
“This game was a learning experience. We understand how hard it is to qualify and how tough it is to play against this kind of team. We need to stay fully focused for the entire 90-plus minutes, not just the regular 90. That’s something we take forward for the next stage.”
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