After the painful result endured in the Super League last week at the home of Johor DT, Akram who used to wear their colours in his early days as a professional, is keen to erase that horrible memory with a rebound in the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Semi-final against Viettel FC, tomorrow, August 10, 2022 at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.
Speaking in a video interview by a leading football portal, Harimau Malaya, the 29-year old said he and his teammates were motivated to do their best to make Kuala Lumpur City and the country proud, and a comeback is what they will be gunning for, though he warned, Viettel is a quality side that will be looking for the same after their recent troubles in the V-League 1.
“It’s good for us (that Viettel is in a loss of form of their own), but we can’t take it easy. Maybe they lost in their league and for this AFC Cup they want to make a comeback. Just like how we lost against Johor (DT) before this and we also want to come back. This is not an easy game, it’s rather tough. I hope we’re all ready and don’t take this lightly.”
Akram who has started all of the City Boys’ fixtures this season except for three matches (the FA Cup First Round 8-0 win over Langkawi City, the Super League 2-1 win at Sarawak Utd, the Super League scoreless at home to Petaling Jaya City) and seems to be amongst the first names in headcoach Bojan’s list for every mission, said that it has been rather a challenge for him this season to adapt to the revolving door of central midfield personnel within the City Boys’ starting eleven.
“I’ve had quite a number of partners in the middle of the pitch. A partner is important to build an understanding on pitch. But like it or not, I have to adapt quickly with whoever the coach places me with, but it’s not an excuse. What’s important is to quickly build that common understanding with the games coming in thick and fast. I just need to be ready. Whoever plays, I just need to be ready.”
Any hiccups so far in Vietnam? The Kulim born enforcer was happy to note that everything is A-okay!
“Alhamdullilah everything is going smooth. And most of the players have returned from injury. We’re ready for tomorrow”
The AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Semi-final between Viettel and Kuala Lumpur City is on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 6.00pm local time (1900hrs Malaysian timr), at the Thong Nhat Stadium, District 10, Saigon.
Tickets for the AFC Cup match against Viettel is available at the venue (physical purchase only).
For our City Boys back home in Malaysia, please tune in to Astro Arena 2, to catch the match live.