Kitchee out to make history for Hong Kong against Iraq's Arbil
Champions are on the brink of becoming the first local side to reach the AFC Cup final
Kitchee coach Jose Molina says his "fresher and better" team can make history at Mong Kok Stadium tonight by beating Arbil of Iraq to become the first Hong Kong team to reach the final of the AFC Cup.
Kitchee are only one step away from the final thanks to striker Juan Belencoso's away goal in the 1-1 first leg draw in Jordan. The local league champions will advance with a victory or a 0-0 draw.
"Our players have been working very well in the 10 days since they came back from Jordan," said Molina, "Our problem is some players have injuries. They are not major but it can still bar them from training well.
"But our team are better and fresher, as our core players have not had national commitments like last time," he said.
The Spanish coach said they would not curb their ambitious style and play for a draw.
"I want our team to play in our style and win. But of course our main goal is to arrive at the final. As long as we can do that, we will be happy," said Molina.
"It is going to be a tough battle. From our last encounter I know Arbil is a very strong team with a solid defence."