Jayapura, 22/4 (Jubi) – Persipura Jayapura’s place in the round of 16 of the AFC Cup is not under threat but they will field the best squad when they play Singapore’s Home United on home turf on Wednesday (23/4).
“Even though many consider this is not important match because we have qualified as the group winners, for me this match is crucial in order to maintain the image of Persipura, the awesomeness of the Mandala stadium and Papua as well,” coach Jacksen F Tiago said on Tuesday (22/4).
He also reminded his players to be aware of Home United, as they are the best team of Singapore.
“It would be a tough game, so our players need to be focused. I have been part of Home United in 2001, and in any circumstances they are capable of showing their real ability. They come to be a winner. They need it for their future step,” he said. He further said the defender Daniel Tata and midfielder Gerald Pangkali could not play in the match due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
Meanwhile, a young player of Persipura, Rony Beroperai was upbeat that his team would win the game. “We are optimistic. The last result against the PSM was our lesson learned to be better,” he said. (Jubi/Arjuna/rom)
