Felda coach Sathia to keep faith in tested line-up against Hanoi

SHAH ALAM: Head coach B.Sathianathan has decided to keep faith in a tested line-up when Felda United clash with Hanoi FC in the AFC Cup 2017 Group G second leg match at Shah Alam Stadium today.

Having taken over the job from Azmi Mohamed on Feb 10, Sathianathan said time constraint means that he has to count on the same players who beat Sarawak in a Super League match on March 4.

“This is not the best Felda line-up as I have not had time to meet with all the players due to the tight fixtures. I can count on 15 players to do a good job and will only replace the injured players,” he told a pre-match press conference at Shah Alam Stadium yesterday.

Sathianathan, a former national team head coach, expects Felda to face a tough fight from Hanoi who are second in the Vietnam League 1 table.

“Hanoi have experienced playing in the AFC Cup and have several Vietnam national players. The team play a fast game and has quality,” he added.

Hanoi head coach, Chu Dinh Nghiem hopes his team will play a good game despite missing several key players to injury.

“We had so many chances to score in the first group match but ended with a draw. We come here to play our best and try to get at least a point.

“Felda is a good team with potential great players,” he added.

Meanwhile, Felda captain Shukor Adan said Sathianathan has restored the team’s good image. “This can be seen by the three unbeaten matches in the Super League. Felda needs an experienced coach such as Sathianathan,” said Shukor at the pre-match press conference. - Bernama