“We are very happy, especially with our decisive plays in a difficult match,” said Neungrutai.

“We respect the hosts (Nasaf). They are a better team than us. But we are doing our homework, on their players and their style. So we will prepare tactically because we want to have a positive result.”

For the second game running, Kanyanat Chetthabutr found the back of the net, netting twice in each half to give Asian Scholars a deserved win.

With only the group winners earning an automatic spot in the Group Stage and having already been part of the same Asian Scholars side that stumbled in the Preliminary Stage last season, Kanyanat does not want to leave their dreams to chance.

“I am very happy and thankful to my teammates for helping me throughout the training camp and today, I was able to produce a good performance because of that,” she said.

“I believe in my teammates and we will follow the coach’s tactics for the Nasaf game.”

As for APF, the result marked their second defeat in as many matches and with the side now eliminated, head coach Chet Ghimire put on a brave front as he looked towards the longer term.

“In the first half it was a power game, very straightforward and we conceded but overall I think we played well,” said Ghimire.

“In the second half, we made some silly mistakes. However, I can see that we have improved compared to the first game and that’s what we need to continue doing.”