AFC Cup | Match against Abahani Dhaka most crucial for us in group stage, says John Gregory
Ahead of Chennaiyin FC’s away game against Abahani Dhaka at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, coach John Gregory has mentioned that the game will be their most crucial match in the group stage. Gregory has also added that the Dhaka club was hard to play in Chenniyin’s home leg.
Former ISL champions Chennayin FC are currently leading the Group E points table in the ongoing AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Cup. The John Gregory-coached side has now arrived in Dhaka for their away game against Bangladesh’s Abahani Dhaka which will be played tomorrow in the national capital of Bangladesh.
Ahead of the match, Gregory has stated that the game is going to be a tough one for them and will also be crucial for the team from Tamil Nadu.
"We are here in Bangladesh to continue our good results so far in the group stage. We have managed to remain unbeaten and we have a tough game against Abahani. It probably represents our toughest and most crucial match for us in the group stage," Gregory said at the pre-match press conference, reported PTI.
In the previous meeting between the two sides in Ahmedabad, it was Anirudh Thapa who had found the back of the net for the Chennai-based team in their home game to ensure a win against the football club from Bangladesh. Earlier in the tournament, the Indian side had started their maiden AFC Cup campaign with a draw against Minerva Punjab before managing to win against Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi.
"Abahani were very hard to play against, in the reverse fixture in Ahmedabad. We were a tad bit fortunate to get the goal as well. So yes, we are looking forward to a difficult challenge. We look forward to adding some more points to our tally," the CFC coach explained.
"Abahani are very strong. Especially their throw-ins are menacing. They also have a tall and physical presence from set-pieces. We do know about a few of their players like Wellington and Belfort whom we have faced in the Indian Super League before. Overall, they are a very good side. We do not underestimate them one bit."
The Tamil Nadu-based club are leading the Group E points table with a total of seven points from three games with two wins and a draw to their name. On the other hand, Abahani are at the second position on the table with four points from as many games.
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