Hong Kong: South China coach Ricardo Rambo vowed that the Hong Kong Premier League side will not rest on their group stage performance in the AFC Cup ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with India’s JSW Bengaluru in the Round of 16.
Group G winners South China ensured a flawless progression into the last 16 as they won all six of their group stage ties, netting 19 times in the process while conceding just three goals.
But with a place in the quarter-finals at stake at Mongkok Stadium, their Brazilian coach Rambo had insisted that the 2013 semi-finalists are not taking their opponents from the I-League lightly.
“We did well in the past but that doesn’t mean we will automatically get success in the near future,” said Rambo, who replaced Argentine coach Mario Gomez at the end of last month.
“Bengaluru are a tough to team to play but we will do our best to the win game and go further in the AFC Cup.
“It’s good that many of our injured players are coming back, but we hope that more fans can come to support us, not only those who follow South China but those who support Hong Kong football.”
Although Bengaluru were unable to top Indonesia’s Persipura Jayapura on the final group stage Matchday to win Group E, their 2-1 victory over Maldivian club Maziya Sports & Recreation in the previous fixture was enough to secure a minimum second place finish with a game to spare.
On the domestic front, coach Ashley Westwood’s side has maintained their fine form with a 3-1 win over Salgaocar and a 1-1 draw away at Dempo within the last fortnight extending their unbeaten I-League run to 13 games as they lie in second place behind leaders Mohun Bagan.
“Even though we have played a lot of matches, I am not worried about the team’s condition ahead of the match with South China,” said Bengaluru coach Westwood.
“We will do our best, be positive and stay strong. We are not here for a holiday but to enjoy the match and play a good game on Tuesday.
“We have an idea how South China will play, and we have no fear, and we will do our best.”
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