Host Persib still has chance to make comeback
Host Persib still has chance to make comeback
BANDUNG (JP): A bitter 3-2 loss to the 1994 Japan League champion Verdy Kawasaki on Sunday will not deter host Persib Bandung from having its day, the second day of the 15th Asian Champions Cup quarterfinal matches.
"We shall not let ourselves be overwhelmed by disappointment. Let's look ahead to make our day in the next two matches. We still have a chance," said Persib coach Indra Tohir.
Indra encouraged his team by insisting they had done what they could and suggesting he applied the wrong strategy.
Persib will play South Korean League champion FC Ilhwa Chunma today. The Korean team recently kept its national title.
Ilhwa drew 1-1 with Thai Farmers Bank of Bangkok on the opening day last Sunday and will take on Verdy today.
"It (the defeat) really hurts. Twice have we been better on points than them during the match," said a dismal-looking Kekey Zakaria, Persib's striker.
Verdy twice fell behind to goals from Kekey and Asep Kustiana. Takanori Nunobe, and man of the match Sergio Henrique Bernardes then leveled the game.
A last minute goal by Shingi Ono ruined Persib. Ono curled a free kick around Persib's defensive wall to beat goalkeeper Anwar Sanusi and give Verdy a crucial win to start its campaign in the East Asia quarterfinal league.
Verdy's one point edge, erased the host's hopes in a single stroke. The defeat was an obvious disappointment for the 25,000 capacity crowd jamming Siliwangi Stadium.
Verdy's coach, Rubens Fantato Filho, praised Persib. He said Persib was a compact team with excellent teamwork.
"I am satisfied with the result. Winning or losing is just a matter of fate. We win because the odds are with us," Fantato philosophized.
Sasom Pobprasert inspired defending champion Thai Farmer's Bank's to hold Ilhwa Chunma 1-1.
Missing four first team players because of Thailand's commitment to the Southeast Asia Games in Chiangmai, Thai Farmers came from a goal down to take a point in the opening fixture.
Ilhwa, with all its best players on the pitch, scored first in the 58th minute through Sin Tae Yong. Worrawoot Srimaka then headed Sasom's free kick into the bottom corner of the net to tie up the match.
Verdy top the group with three points, with Ilhwa Chunma and Thai Farmers Bank sharing second. The top two clubs at the end of the round-robin tournament will meet the top two from the West Asia tournament in Riyadh in the semifinals. (pet/arf)