AFC Cup: Amri Warns JDT Not To Underestimate Balestier

11 Mei, 2015

PETALING JAYA: Striker Mohd Amri Yahyah has warned his Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) team-mates not to take bottom side Balestier Khalsa of Singapore for granted in their final AFC Cup Group F match at the Larkin Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Southern Tigers have secured their last-16 berth after collecting 12 points from five matches. But they want a win over Balestier to confirm top spot in Group F and the advantage of hosting the one-off last-16 match at home.

Second-placed Kitchee of Hong Kong, on 10 points, host third-placed East Bengal FC at the Mongkok Stadium, also on Tuesday, and are capable of taking over the lead if they win and JDT stumble against Balestier.

Amri said they must use their home advantage to seal full points.

“We might be in a comfortable position now but it’s not enough ... topping the group will give us a massive boost heading into round of 16. We have a good record at home so must capitalise on it,” said Amri.

JDT have been invincible at home this season, winning all their eight matches.

“Balestier are going to try to salvage some pride by beating us. We need to be careful with our attacking moves and not leave space for their counter-attacking moves. We also need to be focused and not be too over-confident,” he added.

The 34-year-old Amri scored the winner in the 1-0 away victory over East Bengal in JDT’s penultimate group match on April 28 to clinch the ticket to the last 16. He hopes to continue scoring in the competition.

“We need goals in this match. I sure hope to continue my scoring run despite not playing regularly this season,” said the former Selangor star, who has been hampered by a chronic foot injury since the start of the season.

“We’ve been working hard in training for this match, so I hope everyone gives their best to score a win.”

Sumber - K. Rajan, Star Online www.thestar.com.my