Only victory will do when WoFoo Tai Po host group leaders SHB Da Nang, of Vietnam, in the AFC Cup at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground tonight. With only one point from three group H matches, cup debutants Tai Po must win to stay in the competition.
'We lost 3-0 to them in the away match so we all know how important [tonight's] game is,' coach Cheung Po-chun said last night. 'They are probably the best team in the group with a strong attack. Our defence must stay focused.'
Tai Po received a strong boost ahead of the tie when they reached the domestic FA Cup semi-finals after defeating Sha Tin on Saturday, thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain So Loi-keung.
So, who missed the away match against Da Nang because of suspension, will be back tonight. 'So's presence will strengthen our side as he is an attacking midfielder,' Cheung said. 'We have no injuries from Saturday's match and although the players are a bit tired, they are mentally well prepared for this important clash.'
Da Nang have a 100 per cent record from their three group matches so far and a draw against Tai Po will be enough to send them to the last 16. But head coach Le Huynh Duc insisted they would give their best against Tai Po as they were keen to top the group and gain home ground advantage in the next round.
However, Da Nang will be missing three key players as Phan Thanh Hung, Vo Hoang Quang and expatriate Merlo Gaston, from Argentina, all stayed home because of injuries.
