Western United vows to regroup and fight back after going down 0-1 to Amicale FC of Vanuatu in their opening OFC champions League match in Suva, Fiji, Saturday night.
Coach Ricardo De Vivo declared after the game:
“It’s not over yet.
“We will regroup to compete in our remaining two matches.”
United will meet Auckland FC on Tuesday before taking on the might of Suva FC on Saturday.
Auckland FC yesterday thrashed Suva FC 3-0 in their opening clash.
Despite their opening loss, Vivo complimented his boys for a strong performance.
“They played well, but the first 15 minutes have been a nervous time for them,” Vivo said.
He added luck was not on their side in this game.
“I was pleased with the chances created by our front four. They created five chances and were unlucky to convert them.”
Amicale had their chance and scored when striker Miguel Magnoni reacted to a loose ball in the opening minutes of the second half.
Vivo said their next game against Auckland City is crucial.
Auckland are the defending champs.
“We believe we still have the chance because in football, anything can happen.
“We are here to compete and try to play for the 3 points,” he told the media after the game.
Vivo said their weakness lies in their nervousness, which resulted in them unable to control the ball in the earlier part of the game.
“We don’t shift into our attacking game earlier enough and our midfield resorted to too much long balls.”
Amicale’s Italian coach Marco Banchini said to bag three crucial points against a hard team like United is a satisfactory result.
“This is our first final, some of our players are nervous and hopefully in our next game we can control more possession,” Banchini said.
SIMON ABANA
Suva
