ALOR STAR: Kedah will make their AFC Champions League debut when they entertain Hong Kong’s Tai Po FC in a preliminary two match at the Darulaman Stadium here on Tuesday.
The winner will face FC Seoul in South Korea on Jan 28 for a spot in the group stage of the Champions League.
Kedah coach Aidil Sharin Sahak expects an intense battle but hopes his side will make it count at home.
“I hope the fans will pack the stadium and support us. It is an Asian-level match, so we need to be sharp and also avoid mistakes,” said the Singapore-born coach today.
Aidil confirmed that Singapore-born defender Shakir Hamzah will not see action due to suspension.
“Shakir is serving a suspension for the red card in the 2018 AFC Cup with S-League’s Home United.
“However, I am unperturbed as we have tested options during our recent training stint in Cambodia.”
Meanwhile, striker Kpah Sherman hopes to make a lasting impression on Tuesday.
“The stint in Cambodia was useful as the players managed to work on their weaknesses and understanding.
“I am confident we will get a positive result,” said the Liberian, the Golden Boot winner of last year’s Super League with PKNS FC.
Tai Po coach Davor Berber said they have come prepared and are eager to upset the home team.
“My players will not be rattled tomorrow (Tuesday). Our target is to try our best and win the game,” said Berber.
“We have done our homework on Kedah by analysing videos of previous matches. I have come up with a strategy to stop them.”