Tan aims to tie up knockout stage berth

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Singapore: Tampines Rovers boss Steven Tan expects his team to do a professional job against Victory SC at the Jalan Besar Stadium and seal their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Cup.

Tampines lead third-placed Hanoi T&T, whom they beat 3-1 at home two weeks ago, by four points with two games remaining and victory against the group’s bottom side would rubber stamp their progress regardless of the Vietnamese side’s result at home to Muang Thong United.

"This will not be an easy game for us at all," said Tan.

"We expect another entertaining game. We need to go for the win to put ourselves in a position to win the group."

Keeper Hassan Sunny added: "We have a team that has been playing well together for some time and we are showing no signs of fatigue and we are focusing on recovering from game to game.

"I hope we can continue to show how well-balanced the team is and we have no injury concerns going into this match."

The Maldivians are yet to pick up a point in this season’s competition after the 4-0 defeat at Muang Thong United last time out, scoring just one goal in the process.

Coach Ali Suzain is looking for his men to bounce back in Singapore.

"After our last game at home when we suffered a very heavy defeat, we want to do better this time," said Suzain.

"Our form in the local league has been good, but we've not done as well as we would have liked in the AFC Cup so far this season.

"We are pleased to be able to play on a good pitch in Singapore. It's 'third generation' turf.

"Our players play and train on this kind of turf at home so we are used to it and this is an even better version than we have at home. I believe you will see a much improved Victory team tomorrow."

Asked why the team from the Maldives had not fared as well as past visitors New Radiant, club captain Sobah Mohammed, who was in that side, explained:

"When I came here before and we played against SAFFC (Singapore Armed Forces) we had more foreigners and a foreign coach and we got a 1-1 draw. I am hoping we can at least get a point this time too."