Jayapura, 1/6 (Jubi) – AFC defending champions Al-Kuwait said they did not underestimate Persipura Jayapura ahead of their clash in the quarter final of the tournament next month.
Al-Kuwait have dominated the AFC Cup, having won the tournament three times – in 2009, 2012 and 2013.
However, they see Persipura as a force to be reckon with and an obstacle to win the tournament this season.
“We might be favored, but Persipura might be able to give a shot. So we should be aware of them. We do not underestimate them because they are a force to be reckoned with,” Al-Kuwait coach Abdulaziz Hamada was quoted as saying by local media.
Playing against Persipura at the quarterly final will not be easy and Al-Kuwait have never encountered them before.
“We will prepare the best team to win the AFC Cup as well as to maintain our tittle as the champion. We will use the information we’ve got for a strategy to defeat Persipura,” he said.
Persipura coach Jacksen F Tiago said the next matches against the defending champion would be a priceless experience for his team.
“We’re still optimistic. I want to make history in the AFC Cup by going to the semifinal. We have learned much from our last experience,” Tiago said. (Jubi/Arjuna)
