Ninh Binh eager for qualification

Ninh Binh coach Nguyen Van Sy has set a target of three points from their AFC Cup Group G match against Kelantan of Malaysia today in Ha Noi.

The Vietnamese side have bagged nine points after three consecutive wins and currently top the group.

Ninh Binh players celebrate after scoring during their AFC Cup match against Yangon United two weeks ago. Ninh Binh will host Kelantan today at home. 

Kelantan are in third with only one victory early last month.

"We want three points from this game to give us an early ticket to the knock-out round so our key players have time to rest and avoid injuries," said Sy.

In today's game, Ninh Binh will be without top striker Tambwe Patiyo who is suspended, but Sy does not think it's a problem.

"There is nothing to worry about because I know Kelantan come to Viet Nam without their best players. We will play carefully and safely to complete our goal," he said.

In their first leg match on March 18, Ninh Binh defeated the nine-man hosts 3-2.

Today the visitors are likely to struggle, with coach Steve Darby only able to name 15 players in his squad, including two goalkeepers.

Forwards Ahmad Shakir Bin Md Ali and Mohd Khairul Izuan Bin Rosli are suspended, while captain Mohd Badhri Radzi, Amar Rohidan and striker Ahmad Fakri Saarani are injured.

Darby will have to switch between his foreign players, defender Obinne Nwaneri, midfielder Mohamed Shawky and forward pair Francis Doe and Mohd Ghaddar Mahmoud.

However, Lebanon striker Mahmoud is the only one to have played a full game in the AFC and score goal.