AFC Cup 2022 – ZSF ASEAN: Viettel FC 0(5)-(6)0 Kuala Lumpur City FC
Missing many opportunities to score in the full time and two extra times, Viettel FC and Kuala Lumpur City FC were forced to enter the penalty shootout. Unfortunately, Viettel FC could not overcome the representative from Malaysia and had to stop in the semi-finals of ASEAN Zone.
12/08/2022 09:08:05
Viettel had large portions of the match under their control as they dominated possession and had a total of 25 shots – five times more than Kuala Lumpur – but Hodak’s charges were resilient with disciplined defending.
“I said before the game that Viettel are one of the strongest teams in the region, but we blocked them completely, and for 120 minutes they only had one shot on goal,” said Hodak in the post-match press conference.
“We blocked them completely but we didn’t make use of our chances. We had two or three counter-attacks, but their goalkeeper is also good, making one excellent save.
“I’ve also said it will be a very tough match, and when it comes down to penalties, there’s a little bit of luck.”
Hodak acknowledged Viettel’s strengths but was proud how his side didn’t succumb to the pressure.
“I think individually they are better than us, but this (my) team has a fighting spirit and that’s how we won in the Malaysia Cup and entered the AFC Cup.
“KL is a small club, but for us this is a huge result, so we hope that our dream can continue.”
Man of the match Romel Morales (pictured above, right) said teamwork was key to Kuala Lumpur City’s success, hailing his teammates for their undying efforts at the Thong Nhat Stadium.
“It’s teamwork,” said Morales. “We are united as a team. We’ve prepared as to how we want to play the game and we showed our best. Maybe individually we’re not the best but we’re stronger as a team.
“In the 90 minutes and extra time, we tried to be compact and play together. We fought until the end, and we got to the next round.”
