Jayapura (ANTARA) – North Sumatra men’s soccer team head coach Colly Misrun anticipates a change in the behavior of his opponent, Aceh, who would play more offensively when the two teams meet in the six last of the group. D PON XX Papua at Mandala Stadium, Jayapura City, Friday (8/10).
Aceh, who had played early for the opener against host Papua, lost 0-1 on Wednesday (5/10) and according to Colly his opponent appeared to be playing more defensively as he sought a draw.
“It’s possible that Aceh played against Papua yesterday, I think he survived to look for a draw,” Colly said when contacted from Jayapura on Thursday.
“But against us I’m 100% sure they won’t play the same.”
Additionally, the two teams had met in a test match before PON and Aceh managed to win the match.
“Because he felt he beat us in the trials, so maybe they thought we could be beaten,” Colly said.
Generally speaking, Colly also tried to anticipate Aceh’s counterattack, which he saw as his opponent’s strength.
On the other hand, Colly assured that the condition of his players was more excellent after having had the opportunity to rest for a long time, having last played in the Group B preliminary match against East Java on Monday (4 / 10).
However, in the game against Aceh, Colly will have to lose one of his attacking midfielders, Kevin Armedyah Nur Erwihas, who is still serving a penalty after receiving a red card in the game against East Java.
“I think we’re still pretty intact, even though Kevin is out there are still some friends who can replace him,” he said.
“The most important thing is that the players improve their performance and I expect prayers from the people of North Sumatra, it is for the pride there,” concluded Colly.
So far, North Sumatra have recorded one win and one draw in all three matches they have played in PON Papua.
Reporter: Gilang Galiartha
Publisher: Didik Kusbiantoro
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