Caption: National football coach Kwon Oh-son (2nd L) and Timor Leste national football coach Norio Tsukitate (2nd R) during the press conference. Picture: Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI will attempt to overturn a 3-1 deficit when they host Timor Leste in their second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifier tonight.
A double from Henrique Cruz and an injury time goal from Silverio Garcia in last week’s first leg gave Timor Leste a two-goal advantage putting them firmly in control ahead of the clash at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Head coach Kwon Oh-son admitted that Timor Leste were the better team in the first leg held in Kuala Lumpur, but the South Korean is confident that his side can turn the result around.
"We accept the defeat against Timor Leste last week. We went back to training and looked at our mistakes and tried to mend our weaknesses," said Kwon during the press conference held at the Lecture Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday.
"The players are aware of their national duty and responsibility to win tomorrow’s game. Most players especially DPMM FC players suffered fatigue after playing their Singapore Premier League match going into the first leg so I had to make some changes, but for now they are all fit and eager to play.
"We will play at our home ground tomorrow and I hope that all the players will give their best performance," added Kwon.
Timor Leste's main goal will be to protect their two-goal lead, but head coach Norio Tsukitate reckoned that it won't be an easy task.
"We expect a very tough game against Brunei tomorrow playing at their home ground," said Tsukitate.
"I think we got lucky in the first leg. Brunei had more chances than us in the game and when they scored in the second-half, it was very difficult for us.
"We do not have a particular strategy for tomorrow, we just need to go out there. I know it is not going to be easy, but we have to give our best," added the Japanese.
Should Brunei overcome Timor Leste they will advance into Group B with defending champions Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines at the tournament proper.
