Hanoi Police Club is at risk of being defeated 0-3 in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two round of 16, despite winning against Tampines Rovers 4-0 at Hang Day Stadium.
The reason comes from the fact that the Police sector team used 2 foreign players Stefan Mauk and Alves who received enough yellow cards in the group stage and were not allowed to register to play in the round of 16.
If the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) makes a ruling soon, coach Mano Polking's team will face a very big challenge. Accordingly, Hanoi Police must beat the opponent from Singapore by a 4-goal difference in the second leg to win the right to advance.
Before heading to the away stadium, coach Mano Polking emphasized the determination of the whole team in the upcoming away trip. This strategist sees 90 minutes in Singapore as a measure of bravery and ambition. Hanoi Police aims to win a ticket to the quarter-finals by affirming professional competence, instead of being dominated by sideline factors.
In terms of force, Hanoi Police is still rated as superior. Tampines Rovers possesses a squad with many foreign players, mostly from Japan and Europe, but professional quality has not created a clear mark in the continental arena.
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese representative has a squad of foreign players with rich physical strength and experience, combined with a domestic squad of national team players.
The biggest challenge for Hanoi Police lies in the psychological factor. The coaching staff needs to help the whole team stay alert, avoid being impatient when approaching the second leg. An early goal will help the team control the pace, thereby opening up opportunities to increase the gap.
