KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor captain Safuwan Baharudin warned his teammates not to underestimate Dynamic Herb Cebu ahead of their AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) Group H clash at the MBPJ Stadium tomorrow.
Despite Cebu's 6-0 thrashing by South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in their opening match last month, Safuwan stressed that the Philippines League runners-up should not be taken lightly.
The Red Giants began their ACL 2 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Thai side Muangthong United in Bangkok last month.
Safuwan said his team are in high spirits and determined to secure their first win in the competition against the Gentle Giants.
"We've analysed Cebu's game and are ready for the match," said the defender during today's pre-match press conference at MBPJ Stadium.
"Cebu have strikers who can create chances when they have the ball, so it will definitely be a tough match. Overall, we are motivated after our recent 1-0 win over Terengganu in the Super League.
"However, the level in ACL 2 is different from the Super League, but we are confident and hopeful of achieving positive results."
Meanwhile, Cebu coach Mustafa Ati Goksu is unfazed by Selangor's reputation and believes his side can pull off a surprise.
The Turkish coach acknowledged that while Selangor, along with Jeonbuk and Muangthong, are seen as favourites in Group H, his team is not ready to surrender just yet.
"Of course, this is a new environment for us, and we're playing on Selangor's home ground," said Goksu.
"But, as I've said before, my team have prepared well, and we are ready for this match.
"It won't be an easy game, but we need to achieve something here to progress from the group."