2021 ACL Group Stage: Kaya FC-Iloilo vs. Viettel FC Match 2 — Kaya will next face the Vietnamese champs, both squads vying for their first points in the competition.
Kaya FC-Iloilo’s debut match in the AFC Champions League didn’t go according to plan, but the club will be looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s loss against BG Pathum United. Their next opponent: reigning V.League 1 champion Viettel FC. Kickoff is scheduled at 10pm Philippine time, live from Leo Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
“We’re obviously feeling a little bit tired after a tough game, and the majority of the second half with 10 men,” said Coach Graham Harvey. “Lots of positives to take away from the game. Like you saw we managed to score, which is great. Even with ten men, I thought we did a really disciplined job in keeping our shape and trying to keep our structure as best we could.”
Simone Rota was shown a red card early in the second half, thus making him unavailable for tomorrow’s match against Viettel. Kaya will have to make do without their starting center-back, though Coach Harvey remains confident in the squad’s depth.
“You’ve seen in the first two games that Simone is a starter for us. It’s a big loss, but it’s something that we’ve prepared for—not just here in Thailand but before the boys travelled—in the Philippines.”
“We’ve got some good options to come in and replace him. We’re working through that as best we could, but we’re comfortable with what we’ve got.”
Coach Harvey had nothing but praise for the Vietnamese side while reflecting upon their heartbreaker against Ulsan Hyundai FC. Viettel focused mainly on defense against the reigning Champions League winners, though he believes they’ll vary up their strategy for the upcoming fixture.
“Time will tell whether they come out of their shell a little bit.” Harvey stated, “I think the onus is probably on them—as the champions of Vietnam—to attack. Whether they do, we’re prepared for both options.”
“In terms of their aggression, I just thought they were very competitive. Massive credit to them, they worked so hard across that 90-minute period.”
Coming back from injury to appear in both the playoff against Shanghai Port and Kaya’s inaugural match in the group stages, Azkals-representative Kenshiro Daniels remains positive going into their next matchup.
“The boys feel good, obviously the last game was a bit of a learning experience for everyone but we’re all looking forward to the next game.”
When asked about his possible return to the starting lineup, Daniels said that he’d leave the decision up to the coaches.
“I was unfortunate to pick up an injury the first game with the national team, so it took me a couple weeks to recover from that.” Kenshiro added, “It’s up to the coaching staff, but I’m ready to play whenever I’m called upon.”
Watch Kaya FC take on the Vietnamese champs, you can stream the match through the link below.
