In tough group, but Home confident of reaching AFC Cup knockout stage

SINGAPORE – It has been three years since Home United played in the AFC Cup group stages, but their return to the regional competition this season is expected to be anything but welcoming.

Drawn in a tricky Group H alongside Myanmar champions Yadanarbon, who they will take on in their opening game in Mandalay on Wednesday (Feb 22), as well as Vietnamese Cup holders Than Quang Ninh, the Protectors will have their work cut out for them as they seek to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.

But Home, who beat Cambodian side Phnom Penh Crown FC 7-3 on aggregate during the competition qualifiers earlier this month, have history on their side.

In the seven times they have featured in the competition so far, they have managed to advance past the group stages on five occasions, and even reached the semi-finals in 2004.

And while Home’s head coach Aidil Sharin says the team’s target in the AFC Cup this year is to reach the knockout rounds, he knows they will have to be at their best in every game in order to achieve their goal.

“It’s not going to be easy in the AFC Cup because we’re facing the champions of Myanmar and the Vietnamese Cup winners,” Aidil told TODAY. “These two teams cannot be underestimated and we have to ensure that we treat each game like a final.

“Nonetheless, our main target in the competition is still to progress from the group stage and I’m confident that we have the ability to achieve that.”

Indeed, such is the quality of their opponents that Aidil admits even a point against Yadanarbon would be a decent result.

“To win go to Myanmar and beat Yadanarbon would be a bonus, and I think to get the one point can already be considered a good achievement,” said Aidil.

“We don’t know exactly how Yadanarbon will play and what the weather will be like there. But the team has been preparing very well and we’re motivated for the match.”

The Singapore side have just two competitive matches – against Phnom Penh Crown – under their belts this year, while Yadanarbon are already five games into their league season.

But Home defender Juma’at Jantan insists his team are match fit and ready to take on their Myanmar opponents.

Juma’at, who was honoured for his 11-year service to Home with a testimonial match during the club’s official season launch last Saturday, said: “I think the two AFC Cup qualifier matches served as a good warm-up for us ahead of this tie. I believe we can gel as a team together and I don’t think there’s any worry for us that we’ll not be sharp for the game.

“I haven’t really seen how Yadanarbon play, but in the AFC Cup, we know that every team has a certain level of quality, so we cannot take them lightly.”

With their commitments in the AFC Cup, Home will be playing in four competitions this season.

Despite their packed schedule, Home have registered just 22 players – comprising three goalkeepers and 19 outfield players – out of an allowed 25 for the domestic competitions, with Aidil insisting that the youth players from the Prime League side will provide sufficient cover for the first team.

“We have a squad, not an exactly big one, but the club’s philosophy is to believe in young players, so those from the Prime League will be given a chance,” explained Aidil, who added that his side are aiming for a top-three finish in the league this season.

“So whenever the senior team players are injured or suspended, these youth players will be brought up to the senior team to give them exposure and a chance to impress in games.

“Of course, we know that it’s not going to be easy to play in so many competitions this season, so we will have to manage our players well, especially in terms of their recovery.”