DH Cebu in desperate hunt for win ahead of ACL 2 rematch vs Muangthong

Both Dynamic Herb Cebu and Muangthong need an ACL 2 win badly ahead of their rematch. AFC (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Currently in a winless spell in all competitions, Dynamic Herb Cebu is now in a desperate mode to score all three points as they face Muangthong United once more in the AFC Champions League 2 on Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Cebu came off three shocking results either good or bad for them without a single victory.

Cebu suffered a stinging PFL 0-1 defeat to Manila Digger on Oct. 20 but bounced back mightily by holding Muangthong to a 2-2 draw three nights later.

Fresh off a lengthy Halloween break also factored by the postponement of matches due to severe tropical storm "Kristine", Cebu finally had a return to his real home at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay City on Sunday night only for One Taguig to play spoiler and hold them to a goalless stalemate.

Coach Mustafa Goksu had seen enough of dropping points and wants his club to be locked in for the victory.

"We wanna win tomorrow," Goksu said in Turkish during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

"No excuses. We really need to win tomorrow," added recently acquired striker Abou Sy.

Muangthong, however, also needs the victory to keep its hopes alive of making the ACL 2 knockout stages.

Currently third in Group H with two points, four behind Jeonbuk for second place, anything other than a win could mean Muangthong would have to kiss the ACL 2 goodbye.

Muangthong is also in early risk of missing any continental competition next year as they are currently in 10th place in the current Thai League 1 season.

Cebu, currently last in Group H with only the first-round draw at Muangthong to show, also needs the win in the return leg to keep its own ACL 2 postseason dream alive.

Needless to say, it's win or go home for both clubs at this stage of the Asian tournament.

"This is the last chance for both teams to have a chance to pass to the next round, but both teams must try to win this game," said Muangthong coach Gino Lettieri.

"We'll do everything to win this game because we have to go to the next round," Kasidech Wettayawong vowed in Thai.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno