South China captain Chan Wai-ho believes the Caroliners are about to hit their straps as they settle down after a busy transfer window. They host Yadanarbon of Myanmar in the AFC Cup at Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday night, and after thrashing home side Global of the Philippines 6-1 in their opening group G match, victory over the visitors will make South China front runners in the race for the knockout stage. There were some indifferent moments at the beginning of the season, but the team are making steady progress Chan Wai-ho New recruits Mahama Awal and Daniel McBreen starred in the Global match, scoring four goals between them. Meanwhile, Hong Kong international Chan Siu-ki has also hit form, after scoring against Wong Tai Sin in their 4-0 Premier League win on Sunday. "There were some indifferent moments at the beginning of the season, but the team are making steady progress, taking good shape with newcomers such as Mahama and McBreen blending in well," said the captain. "Their combination up front, assisted by Chan Siu-ki on the flanks, is playing a pivotal role in our attack." Cameroonian Awal, a youth product of French side Auxerre, poses a constant threat with his speed on the right while McBreen, the golden boot winner in Australia's A-League in 2013, has now found his scoring touch after arriving in December. "We know little about the Myanmar team, but from what we have watched on video they are not a bad side and are also very mobile in attack. But they don't have many tall players. We should have an advantage in our attack through the height of McBreen and Siu-ki," said Chan. The captain expects some 3,000 fans to turn out. We should have an advantage in our attack through the height of McBreen and Siu-ki Chan Wai-ho Coach Mario Gomez said they would field a line-up similar to that in the Global match as both centre half Bojan Malisic and McBreen will be back in action after missing the Wong Tai Sin match. "There is nothing wrong with the two players. They were just given some rest before the regional cup tie," said Gome. Z Yadanarbon coach Kyi Naing said he was worried about the cooler weather in Hong Kong for tonight's match. "Our players are not used to playing in such conditions," he said. The visitors are current Myanmar national league champions. Kitchee, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with East Bengal in a group F match in Calcutta on Tuesday night. Juan Belencoso headed home for Kitchee in the 30th minute but that was cancelled out by Ranti Martins' strike on 74 minutes. Coach Jose Molina said: "The boys gave their best but conditions were very difficult. "We are now under pressure to finish top of the table and the home match against Johor Darul Ta'zim next Tuesday will be crucial." The Malaysian side beat Balestier Khalsa of Singapore 1-0 last night and lead the group with six points. Kitchee are second on four points.
