2nd Sheikh Kamal Int'l Club Cup: Ctg Abahani eyeing perfect game in last four

Chittagong Abahani are the only club from the host nation in the last four of the tournament's second edition after the group stage exits of Bangladesh Premier League champion Dhaka Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited. Under the supervision of experienced head coach Saiful Bari Titu, Chittagong Abahani, the new rising powerhouse of Bangladesh football, didn't enjoy the best of rides in the group stage where they won one and drew two to finish top. With a star-studded squad at their disposal, they failed to perform upto expectations against the likes of struggling Mohammedan. Both Titu and captain Mamunul Islam believe their best performance is yet to come in this tournament. Both are also careful of slipping up against their semi-final opposition, who play in the K3 league, the fourth tier of South Korean league football. “It should be a good game. They (Pocheon) are a good team. They maintain modern style of football with long switches and passes. No doubt they are a strong opponent. But we are waiting to play our best game. We need to give our best to win against such opponent,” said Titu on Monday. Titu admitted that Pocheon have better players with more skills but added that his team are just concentrating on their own game. The head coach hinted of one or two changes in the starting XI with Nigerian striker Nkwocha Kingsley not fully fit. Being the home side as well as the title holder, the pressure will be enormous for Mamunul and Co but the captain and talismanic midfielder wants his players to just enjoy the occasion. Mamunul also hoped that their finishing would get better on Tuesday. Neither Pocheon head coach Kim Jae Young nor manager Shon Woon Yong were present in the pre-match press conference. Captain Han Yong Su appeared in front of the media, along with official Lee Kwang Deok. Defender Han hasn't played a single match so far in the tournament but informed that he has recovered fully and is likely to feature on Tuesday. “We, Pocheon, are very happy and satisfied the way everything is going here and the respect the people of Chittagong has been showing. There would be little bit pressure as Chittagong Abahani are the defending champion. They are preparing very well. Hope for a good game,” said Lee.WHAT THEY SAIDMamunul Islam, Chittagong Abahani captainWe are the reigning champion. This time, Chittagong Abahani are the only club from host Bangladesh who are still in the race for the title. Whatever division they play in their country, the opponent represent South Korea. We will represent Bangladesh. If we can beat them, it would be very positive for our country's football.Han Yong Su, Pocheon Citizen FC captainI'm satisfied with the way we have played so far. We have prepared well. We will be playing against the home team but I believe in my team and the players. If we continue playing like this, we can hope for something positive.