Thai Rajpracha misses key players
JAKARTA (JP): Rajpracha of Thailand will resume its Asian Cup Winners Cup campaign in Gresik, East Java, today without key players who are on international duty.
But Rajpracha team manager Supridee Pravitra shrugged off the absence of Rungphet Charoevong, Saman Deesunthai and Suchin Phanprapart, saying that his men would pursue at least a draw against host Petrokimia Putra to make it to the second round.
The Thais bounced back from a 0-2 deficit to upset the East Javanese 5-4 in their first-round, first-leg match on Oct. 15.
Supridee inserted three American signings in place of his regular backbones, who are currently touring England with the Thai Southeast Asian Games team.
"It will be hard to beat a team who struck our net four times, but we have come here with a particular goal: to advance to the next round," Supridee said.
"We hold an equal chance in Saturday's match, I think," he added.
Supridee said American goalkeeper Michael Gartlan, midfielder Tay Ianny and striker Kevin Grimes are in their best form for today's match.
The home side will also be missing its star striker Widodo C. Putra because of injury. Widodo, the national league's best player, twisted his ankle at Rajpracha's home base, Suphanburi stadium, Thailand.
Assistant coach Ferryl Hatu looks to have no choice but to let Neng Syaifulah take Widodo's post. In the absence of Widodo, Petrokimia will rely on Fachri Husaini, loaned from Pupuk Kaltim, who scored one in the away match two weeks ago.
However, Ferryl, who is in charge of the coaching job in place of Andi Teguh -- who has joined the national SEA Games team -- had a lot more complaints ahead of today's battle.
"Both the SEA Games and the National Games have adversely affected our preparations. I can't believe that we only have two days to regroup," he said.
Petrokimia's Suwandi, Sasi Kirono and Ery Irianto returned home on Thursday after two try-out matches with the national SEA Games squad in Kalimantan.
Heavy duty
Meanwhile, Persib Bandung faces a heavy duty game today in Pasay City, the Philippines, in their Champions Cup second-round second-leg.
Indonesian champion team Persib needed two late goals from veteran captain Robby Darwis to win 2-1 at home two weeks ago. A draw will be enough to earn Persib a quarterfinal berth.
"With a string of injuries threatening my players, I'm banking on good luck to make it into the quarterfinals," coach Indra Tohir said.
A weakened Persib has yet to confirm whether target man Sutiono will return to the pitch after suffering a leg injury. Indra has already dropped his best defender choices Mulyana and Asep Sumantri, also as a result of injuries.
Pasay, which routed Guam champion Tumon Typhoon 7-0 at home, is relying on Yule Aversales to lead its up-front charge. Aversales dealt Persib an early blow with his third minute goal in Bandung. (amd)