AFC Cup: East Bengal look to seal Pre-Quarterfinal spot tomorrow

Kolkata giants East Bengal Club are set to host Singapore side Tampines Rovers in their fourth AFC Cup Group H match tomorrow. The match would be played at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata with kick-off at 3.15pm IST.

After the red-and-golds 4-2 away win at the Jelan Besar Stadium in Singapore against the same opponent, they will look to add three more points to qualify for the knockout stages with the team looking to seal their place in the Round of 16.

East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan said at the pre-match press conference, "We are in a good position in the Group and hope to qualify to Pre-Quarter Final. If we win it will be a massive step towards qualification."

And about the weather Trevor added, "The soaring temperatures and dry heat would have a bearing on both the teams even more on Tampines. The game would not be as fast as it was in Singapore."

Meanwhile Tampines Rovers Croatian coach Nenad Becina said about the turf and the weather, "We are not at a disadvantage with the astro turf as we are used to such surfaces back home. Hot weather would be a factor but it will affect both teams as the kick off is scheduled at 3.15 pm."

"Our midfield would be bolstered with the return of captain Mustafic Fahruddin. We don't have any special plans for thwarting the East Bengal strikers and midfielders and hope that lady luck which deserted us in Singapore will be back with us," Nenad Becina added.

Meanwhile Goalkeeper Sasa Dreven and winger Imran Sahib have been treated for knocks in training but both are expected to be ready for the game tomorrow.