The call to action by Kuala Lumpur City’s Zhafri towards the City Boys fans is loud and clear, “We want to see our fans cheering us on at our stadium,” he said to the New Straits Times in reference to the AFC Cup 2022 ASEAN Zonal Final against Indonesia’s PSM Makassar tomorrow night (tonight), August 24, 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.
Echoing what head coach Bojan mentioned during the post match press conference after the 1-0 win at home last week vs high flying Negeri Sebulan, the midfielder who has been around with the Red & White at least since 2016 and is almost like a permanent fixture to the City Boys’ changing room, is hoping for some boisterous support in the stands, knowing full well the role the fans can play as the 12th man to help lift the spirits of the team in search of another South East Asian level title in addition to the ASEAN Champions Cup successes in 1987 and 1989, and power them into the Inter Zone semi-final against the South Asian winner.
However, the 27-year old also realises that circumstances are different this time around in this replay of their Group H scoreless draw, exactly two months ago at the same venue.
“The upcoming match against Makassar will be different than when we faced them in the group stage.”
“I think our home advantage will be helpful, but it’s not the most important thing.”, he added.
Zhafri who has yet to add to his goal tally since the wonder strike against Penang in early May, was optimistic nonetheless of his team’s rearguard ability to stop the opposition’s threat upfront.
“Our quality is that we have been able to show great discipline defensively, and we have been able to control the situation well in that regard.”
“Two clean sheets (in a row, vs Viettel & Negeri Sembilan) help(ed) boost our confidence but we have to improve offensively. The statistics show that in our previous games, we are not being efficient in front of goal.”
There is little doubt within the rank and file of Kuala Lumpur City that tonight’s match is the most important of the season for them, plus a certain winner take all reward of USD$100,000 as ASEAN champs can go a long way for a club with limited resources.
According to the Klang born, Bojan & Co. are prepared for all eventualities in case this fixture goes all the way to the very end as how it was during the semi-final against Viettel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, but no matter what happens, Zhafri will be cherishing every moment in the colours of this club.
“I’ve been at the club for a long time and have a lot of memories, including playing in the AFC Cup. I am delighted to be at this stage with KL City, but I cannot imagine what it would be like to win the AFC Cup.”
The AFC Cup 2022 ASEAN Zonal Final between Kuala Lumpur City and PSM Makassar is on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 9pm (2100hrs), at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.
Tickets for the AFC Cup 2022 ASEAN Zonal Final vs PSM Makassar available at the following link, https://www.tickethotline.com.my/ or via physical ticket sales at the stadium ticket counter.
For Season Ticket Holders (B2 City Boys), enjoy direct access for top- purchase of your membership and additional tickets through the Club for your friends & family without the hassle and limitations of the online system or physical ticket sales (Contact Shamim for details).