Courtesy: The AFC.com


Lak wary of ‘mysterious' Oceans

Friday, 01 July 2011

Doha: Shahid Mansouri boss Reza Lak conceded he does not know much about AFC Futsal Club Championship 2011 final opponents Nagoya Oceans but warned his players to expect stern test of their title credentials.

Shahid booked a meeting with the Japanese side after overcoming a spirited Al Rayyan outfit 6-5 in extra time at Al Rayyan Main Hall.

Having established a 3-1 lead at the interval, the Iranians ultimately managed to weather an Al Rayyan fightback in the second period as, after Hassan Zadeh's penalty had levelled the contest with 23 seconds to go, Shahid ultimately prevailed thanks to Mohammad Keshavarz's goal in the first additional period.

They now take on a Nagoya side who, along with Shahid, were tabbed among the pre-tournament favourites but Lak (pictured) conceded he knew little about the team they will meet on Friday.

"For the next game against Nagoya from Japan, I have not had time to study them but I will sit with my players to plan for the game," he said.

"In the first place we are thinking of fair play ahead of winning the game. The match will be tough but I hope all the spectators enjoy the game."

Nagoya were also taken to extra time in their last four triumph over Al Sadaka from Lebanon.

The Japanese side had taken an early lead when Morioka Kaoru slipped the ball through the legs of an Al Sadaka defender before drilling a low shot past keeper Rabie El Kakhi and into the far corner.

Al Sadaka levelled when Ali El Homsi broke clear and although Hisamitsu Kawahara saved his initial effort, El Homsi slid home the loose ball from a tight angle.

But Al Homsi's joy turned to despair in extra time when he diverted Yoshifumi Maeda's shot into his own net and Nagoya held out to reach the final.

Boss Jose Amarante, though, does not feel his side's exertions will prove overly detrimental against Shahid Mansouri.

"Of course because of the extra time the players will be physically not so strong ," he said.

"But I think that is not the main point, I think they must be prepared and we should be able to be fit."





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com