KUALA LUMPUR: After two AFC Cup matches, Sabah have found themselves on top of Group H.
And the Rhinos hope to make it three in a row when they meet Haiphong of Vietnam at the Lach Tray Stadium tomorrow.
Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said he is wary of Haiphong, nicknamed the Red Tide.
The Vietnamese club started their AFC Cup campaign with a 3-0 home win over PSM Makassar of Indonesia but suffered a surprise 2-1 away loss to Singapore's Hougang United.
However, Kim Swee felt that Haiphong stumbled against the Singapore side because of the latter's artificial pitch.
"It's difficult to say about their strength. It's not only us researching Haiphong, I believe they would also have researched us."
Haiphong coach Chu Dinh Nghiem said he will have to do without several players against Sabah due to injuries.
"But we must win this match to have a chance to reach the second round," he added.