| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam coach Kwon Oh Son has highlighted the ease of restoring confidence back into the camp ahead of their much-anticipated semi-final tie against Macau in the AFC Solidarity Cup at the Sarawak Stadium in Kuching, Malaysia tonight.
The national team started the campaign in stunning fashion with a 4-0 thumping of Timor Leste despite heavy conditions but were humbled 3-0 by Nepal in their final group game having already assured of qualification.
However, the loss to Nepal if anything have allowed the players’ to be in accord with the coach who found a way to convey his thoughts into the squad.
“It was pretty easy to bring their confidence back up, the players understand why they lost and the problems they had”, Kwon told AFC.
“I tried to give them some feedback and they accepted that,” said the South Korean who nearly guided the national team into the AFF (Asean Football Federation) tournament proper in a coaching stint four years ago.
Kwon, whose charges avoided Laos who will instead take on Nepal, is also in confident mood ahead of the Macau test.
“We won 4-0 against Timor Leste and lost 3-0 against Nepal, so it was a very good match to get feedback for the players.
“They have prepared themselves well to perform at their best level in tomorrow’s match,” he said on Friday.
Brunei Darussalam coach Kwon Oh Son (right) and Macau coach Tam Iao San hold the trophy.
Kwon has suggested that there is no room for error with the remaining four teams in the competition equally strong.
He is also happy to be drawn against Macau even though they relinquished top spot in Group ‘A’.
“It’s a very important game because all four teams in the semi-finals are strong. Macau has a really strong attack, midfield and defenders but we are happy to face them.
“The semi-final is sudden death, there are only winners and losers. There is no second chance.”
Kwon further stressed the importance of delivering a good performance if they were to realise their aspirations for a historic feat in the final.
“It’s important the players do well and whoever wins will qualify for the final,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Kwon’s opposite number Macau coach Tam Iao San highlighted that both teams will be fighting for a place in the final.
“This is a new chapter for both Macau and Brunei to enter the semi-finals and we will make sure both of us honour the importance of the tournament and we want to show our football.
“We tried to pass through the group matches and our next target is to fight for the final, but both teams are the same,” the coach added.
The post Brunei boost as confidence restored appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.