Luneng vow to reach Asian Champions League knockout stage
Xinhua, April 19, 2016 Adjust font size:
Chinese club Shandong Luneng FC vowed to beat Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC on Wednesday in the fifth round of the 2016 Asian Champions League (ACL) to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in 11 years.
Luneng rank second to Seoul FC, with seven points in Group F, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima are third with six. Luneng reached the quarter-finals in 2005, their best performance in ACL.
"The match will be crucial and we are confident to take three points," said Luneng head coach Mano Menezes on Tuesday.
Mano added that his side are busy improving their play and correcting mistakes, and he has faith in his players.
"We did a good job recently, and this will help us win tommorrow's game," said defender Dai Lin.
Carlos Gilberto Nascimento Silva, known as Gil, earned positive remark from Dai Lin for his solid defense.
"I am glad to play with Gil, a Brazil international. He is watching my back and I'm watching his," said Lin. Endit