Kaya gears up for pivotal home match against Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa
Fresh from victory against New Radiant last week, Kaya has the opportunity to make it two straight wins in the AFC Cup, when they take on Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa tomorrow, March 15, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
“In my opinion, this is the most important game right now. I feel like if we get the three points tomorrow we already have a foot into the next round. Like I said in the last press con, every single game is important to us and no game is going to be easy, so we need to play better than the last game, and hopefully we’ll get the three points,” said OJ Porteria at the prematch press conference at the Century Park Hotel.
The young attacker scored the last-gasp winner the week prior, and it’s no surprise the team’s spirits are soaring ahead of the encounter against the Singaporean club.
“It was a great feeling to get the three points in the fashion that we did,” he said. “So we’re just going to take the momentum into the next game.”
Kaya Head coach Joel Villarino echoed his player’s views ahead of a match that he expects to be tight affair in front of home support.
“Our morale is very high. After that game (versus New Radiant), everyone celebrated because that’s the first win—the first international exposure of the team, even the fans,” he said. “Balestier Khalsa I think is one of the strongest teams in our group. Expect a tough game tomorrow because everyone wants to win. We will take advantage of the home game.”
As it stands, Group F is delicately poised, with only a single point separating leaders Balestier Khalsa, and their closest contenders, Kitchee and Kaya. New Radiant round out the group, behind the table toppers by only three points.
“It’s a very even group, every point counts and hopefully we’ll come with good results and finish in the top two,” said opposition head coach Marko Kraljevic.
“It’s a very tough game,” he continued. “They are very aggressive. They are closing down very fast. They don’t give the opponent time on the ball. I think it will be a good game and I hope the fans will enjoy.”
The AFC Cup group game will be televised LIVE on ABS CBN Sports+Action, with the broadcast expected to begin at 7:00 p.m.
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