Tricky pitch a challenge to Darul Ta’zim

THE artificial pitch at Rizal Memorial Stadium could make it tricky for Darul Ta’zim as the former champions face Global FC of the Philippines in an AFC Cup Group F match in Manila today.

The match is not only important for them in the AFC Cup but also an opportunity to regain pride following the 3-1 defeat to Pahang in last week’s FA Cup quarter-final first leg game in Kuantan.

The reigning Super League champions, however, do not like playing on artificial pitches and this could be a telling factor in their quest to collect a third win in the AFC Cup to consolidate their position in the group.

Darul Ta’zim lead the group with eight points, one more than Global, followed by Beoung ket Angkor FC (three points) and Myanmar’s Magwe FC (one).

Last month, Darul Ta’zim hammered Global, the 2016 United Football League winners, 4-0 at Larkin Stadium but the Manila-based club will be a difficult team to handle in their own backyard.

“I do not fancy playing matches on artificial pitches. We have been rotating our training sessions between artificial and grass pitches throughout the season for a balance,” said Darul Ta’zim coach Benjamin Mora.

“We had only one day for recovery after the FA Cup and I will need to see the players’ condition before I decide on the starting lineup.

“It is not a excuse. We want to win this match and secure our last-16 spot as soon as possible.”

It will be a hectic month for Darul Ta’zim as they will have seven matches to play across three competitions.

After the match against Global, Mora’s side will focus on the Super League with matches against Malacca (Sunday), Kelantan (April 12) and PKNS (April 15)

Four days later, they will leave for Phnom Penh to play Boeung Ket in the AFC Cup, followed by Pahang in the FA Cup on April 23 and Penang three days later in the league. Ajitpal Singh