Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - HanoiFC are closer to their first AFC Cup’s ASEAN Zonal final than ever as theyprepare to host Ceres Negros of the Philippines at Hang Day Stadium onJune 25 evening.

However, the hosts, whoonly need a goalless draw to secure their berth in the final due tothe away goals rule, will be without their best players.

Hanoi FC drew 1-1 with CeresNegros in Bacolod in the first leg of the semi-final match last week.

At a press conference on June24, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem said the absence of key players may affect his team’splaying style, but he had a ‘plan B’.

“National team defender Tran DinhTrong has left for Singapore for surgery, while a leg injurywill keep Nigerian forward Ganiyu Oseni out till the end of the season.Midfielder Pham Duc Huy has not totally recovered from the flu so he maynot make the starting line-up,” said Nghiem.

“Oseni is our key scorer withnine goals so far. Playing without him will be a challenge, but wehave worked on plans to mitigate the fact he won't be leading our attack.Either Hoang Vu Samson or Pape Omar Faye can step in, and we havethe advantage of playing at home.”

Faye scored the crucial goal tolevel the result last week and has found the back of the net six times.

Talking about his opponents, Nghiemsaid he had watched Ceres Negros from the group round and studied theirtactics. They are really good at controlling the ball and some of theirplayers can have an instant impact.

“We cannot afford to looseour concentration even for a second. We have our advantages but Ceresare a difficult team and they have more experience in the Zonal finals,” Nghiemsaid.

National midfielder Do Hung Dungsaid: “We understand them. They have national team players. They are skillfuland fast. We have experienced them in the previous match and hope ourtactics will work in the match tomorrow. We expect to have a slot in thefinal.”

On the other side, coach RistoVidakovic confirmed Hanoi’s advantage but said his team would not give up.

The Serbian manager said CeresNegros would work hard for the win.

Vidakovic said he could notdescribe his confidence of a win over Hanoi who were home to 10 national teamplayers. Ceres Negros also had national players and secret weapons. They were100 percent beating the hosts.

Captain Alvaro Silva, who playedfor Hanoi FC in 2017 and scored four goals, said the chances were equalfor both teams. Playing against former teammates, especially national teammembers, would be a good experience for him and he believed Ceres wouldcome through.

The match willkick off at 7pm and will be aired live on Fox Sports and VTCchannels.-VNS/VNA