AFC CUP GROUP H LEADERS KAYA FC–ILOILO AND PSM MAKASSAR TUSSLE IN PANAAD Wednesday's encounter will be a crucial tie in Group H.

KAYA FC–ILOILO (PHI) vs PSM MAKASSAR (IND)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019
3PM | PANAAD STADIUM, BACOLOD

16 APRIL 2019; BACOLOD CITY, PHILIPPINES — Two weeks after a dramatic 1-1 draw in Indonesia, Group H leaders Kaya FC–Iloilo and PSM Makassar face off once again, this time at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, Philippines. Both teams are currently deadlocked with five points, with Kaya slightly ahead on goal difference. With third placed Home United just a point behind in the standings, Wednesday’s 3pm encounter provides a massive opportunity for both sides to create a cushion atop Group H.

“It’s a crucial game. The team that gets maximum points will stay at the top of the table to start the second round,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida. “The team that is hungrier to get the three points will get the result. It’s going to be a test of character, not just for our players, but for them as well. We expect them to work hard to get three points tomorrow, and we’re ready for that. If we have an answer for their set pieces, I think we’ll be having a positive outcome.”

Given what’s at stake for both sides, Kaya goalkeeper Michael Casas is hoping home field advantage will play its part.

“Tomorrow will be a big game for us especially that we are here at home. We will get more confidence, especially from our fans traveling from Iloilo. We’re expecting PSM to do their best and for sure we’ll need to perform,” he said. “We’re expecting PSM to attack more and we’ve worked hard not only in training, but off the field as well. We’re studying their attacks. As coach said they’re dangerous in set pieces, they’re big boys. But we’re at home, our families are watching, so we’re motivated and we’re eager to win the game tomorrow.”

PSM Makassar were on the way to taking all three points in the teams’ first meeting in Indonesia, but Eero Markkanen’s penalty was canceled out in thrilling fashion by a 93rd minute goal from Marwin Angeles. PSM’s head coach Darije Kalezic is expecting Wednesday’s encounter to be equally tight.

“The first game showed us that we’re pretty much two equal teams. We have the same strengths. We played the first game 1-1 and I’m expecting tomorrow to be a tough game for both teams,” he said.

Having thumped the reigning ASEAN Zone Champions, Home United, 5-0, in their last time out in Panaad, Kaya FC–Iloilo will be full of confidence playing in Bacolod once more. Head coach Noel Marcaida, however, is wary of any over confidence from his side.

“Playing in Panaad will be to our advantage. It’s a home game away from home, but Panaad is in the Philippines, and we represent the country. We’re also used to playing at 3pm. We’re happy and we’re really looking forward to playing here in Panaad,” he said. “ But every AFC game is very important. This is a big stage. Whatever results came before are irrelevant. We need to focus on the match ahead.”

Tickets to tomorrow’s match will be available at the stadium entrances. Prices are at: P20 for Bleachers, P50 for Grandstand, and P100 for VIP. For those unable to make it to the Panaad Stadium, the match will be aired live on 5Plus (formerly Aksyon TV), and will be streamed live over their website, and YouTube channel.