Facing with a familiar opponent who was defeated 3-2 by XT-Saigon, Coach Tran Tien Dai said the team would be determined to win over Tampines Rovers (Singapore) for opening the door to next round of group H, he also added that XT-Sai Gon would continued to play with young players in start-up. 

In group H, XT Sai Gon is currently ranked at the second in standing table, with 7 points after four matches, less than leader East Bengal 3 points. However, It’s most likely that XT Sai Gon will have to leave AFC Cup for many different reasons. According to what Coach Tran Tien Dai shared in press conference, dense matches density caused pillars’ physical strength problems, that’s the reason why besides

Tan Truong, others pillars as Nguyen Rogerio, Tai Em, Nsi, Moses … will stay out. Young players as Duc Linh , Trong Phi , The Son , Cong Thanh , Thua Chi … will replace them. Nevertheless, the main cause is probably late payment.

In recent matches including AFC Cup and V – League the unique Sai Gon’s representative haven’t been in best form. Two consecutive losing battles against SLNA and Dong Nai caused “tacit wave” rose again in internal XT Sai Gon management board. Though they still affirmed their determination to win for a forward opportunity, the team will start with young line-up.

Visitors Tampines Rovers (Sing) confirmed Coach Nenad Bacina: “It’s difficult for us to compete with V– League’s top team XT Saigon, especially when we have to play away. However we will set the highest goal to win sothat we can improve our position in Group H.”

Dinh Vien