Friendly rivals: Selangor captain Mohd Bunyamin Bin Umar (second, right) shakes hands with Ha Noi T&T counterpart Cao Sy Cuong at a press briefing yesterday in Ha Noi. — VNS Photo Tuan Tu

HA NOI (VNS)— Coach Phan Thanh Hung of Ha Noi T&T said he would field his best players to face Malaysian Selangon in today's match of the Asian Football Federation Cup's Group F.

"Selangor is a team with long-year tradition in Malaysia, six times winning their local tournament. They are, at present, the M-League first runner-up. Although they did not have good results from two recent matches, we still respect them," said Hung at yesterday's press conference.

"We have won two matches and will play on our home turf tomorrow. These are our pros that will support us to have another victory and move closer to the knock-out round. T&T will play with our strongest players this month as we seek to crush Selangor," Hung said.

In this match, T&T will welcome back Australian halfback Sam Justin Gallagher and striker Hoang Vu Samson, after their being banned because of cards.

Meanwhile, Hector Hughtun Kerin Vaghaun and Gonzalo Marronkle were in good form recently during local and international competitions.

Also, midfielder Nguyen Van Quyet is prepared to score more goals to maintain his top ranking on the best scorers' list.

After two rounds, T&T is leading Group F with six points, while Selangor has two points from two draws and ranks second.

The former national team coach said Selangor was not an easy rival, as they need points to avoid elimination.

"As far as I know, Selangor is home to six national team players and they have two Brazilain strikers, as well as an Australian midfielder. They have good speed and physique. Like some other Malaysian clubs, they are strong at defence and counter-attack, and they often create a lot of difficulties for Vietnamese opponents," Hung said.

On the other side, coach Mehmet Durakovic and his team will play without some key members.

No 1 goalkeeper Mohd Hamsani Bin Ahmad, who was sent off last match, could not play today, while others are suffering injuries.

"I have seen video tapes of their games and found that Ha Noi T&T are a team with skilful techniques. This shows through their two wins with six points," said Durakovic.

"My team, although it can not play with some main players, however we will do our best to show a good result," he said, hoping that it would be a fair game.

In other matches, Arema Indonesia will play hosts Maziya Sports&Recreation of Maldives at the National Stadium, in Male City.

Ninh Binh top group with Kelantan win

Viet Nam's Ninh Binh posted a hard fought but convincing 3-2 win over Malaysia's Kelantan yesterday to lead Group B at the Asian Football Cup (AFC) .

Ninh Binh have nine points from three wins in the group that includes Yangon United of Myanmar, Kelatan and South China.

Also yesterday, Yangon United beat South China 2-0 to move to second place in Group B with six points.

Two top teams from the group will qualify for the tournament quarter-finals. — VNS