Thai Rajpracha misses key players

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)