PETALING JAYA: Selangor centreback Richmond Ankrah knows the fans’ frustration.
Their 2-4 defeats against Bangkok United in the AFC Champions League Two on Sept 18 and 0-1 against Kuching City in the Super League Sept 21 over a week have put Selangor under pressure.
But the Ghanaian defender insists the team are determined to steady the ship when they host Singaporean club Tampines Rovers in their Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup Group A clash at the Petaling Jaya Stadium today.
“It will be a tough game. We know their strengths, but we’ve been training hard since the start of the season,” said the 25-year-old, who joined the Red Giants from Ghanaian club Accra Lions in 2021.
“It was tough after the defeat against Kuching, but now we’re playing at home with our fans behind us and mentally, we are ready. Hopefully, we can win and make them happy.
“As a defender, my biggest challenge is not to concede. We know the fans are not happy with the goals we’ve let in, and I understand that. Hopefully, this time we can get the three points.”
Selangor started their South-East Asian campaign on a promising note earlier this month, holding Thai giants Buriram United to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A fixture.
Said Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi: “We aim to be as high as possible in every tournament.”
“If you only play domestic matches, you remain at the same level. Competing in this kind of tournament helps us face stronger clubs in the region.
“To be better, you must play teams stronger than you. This is an opportunity to build the club.”
Quentin Cheng and Aliff Izwan Yuslan may miss the action due to lack of fitness but Kinoshi was not worried about the depth in the squad.
“Tampines are a good side with some Japanese players I know well, but we must give our best for the fans.
“Pressure is always there, but that is my responsibility to help team deal with it.”
