Thriller in Thailand: Kaya FC-Iloilo vs Shanghai Port FC The two clubs will go head-to head for the right to advance to the AFC Champions League Group Stage.

Win and you’re in, that’s the long and the short of it. Whoever triumphs in the crucial Preliminary Knockout Match gets to claim the final spot in Group F of the prestigious AFC Champions League. Kaya FC-Iloilo will take on Shanghai Port FC for that honor tomorrow, June 23, at the Leo Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Kickoff is scheduled  at 10PM Philippine time.

For newly instated Head Coach Graham Harvey, whose first assignment is preparing for this historic fixture, the integration process has been seamless.

“We’re one big family, one big club.” Harvey stated in regards to his first impressions, “I’ve been delighted by how the boys have responded to me as a coach. Coach Hoshi (Yu Hoshide) as well has done an excellent job to prepare the boys for this stage. I think we’re in a good spot to perform to the best of our abilities.”

Upon landing in Thailand a few days ago and meeting the team in person for the first time, it’s been full speed ahead on getting everyone acclimated and collaborating with Coach Hoshide on strategy.

“Coach Hoshi and I have been working really closely together to make sure that our game plan for this game tomorrow against Shanghai is effective. This is our first opportunity to play in the Champions League, and we want to entertain our fans.”

He later added, “We’re here to entertain, we’re here to make sure we give our very best. Our team is organized and effective when we don’t have the ball, and when we do get the ball, we need to make sure that we attack and attack well.”

Coming in as the underdogs against the bigger club, the players are all locked in on pulling off the upset. When asked about how the team is feeling, Captain Jovin Bedic had this to say.

“On paper Shanghai is the stronger team here, but it doesn’t really matter. Tomorrow is a big challenge for us, but all of us are ready to play. We’re very hungry for that win tomorrow.”

The challenge has been set, and to win would prove that Kaya has earned their spot among the continent’s elite. It may be the biggest match in club history, but the true goal awaits them just ahead.

Coach Harvey added, “For us, it’s about making sure that we do our fans justice. As a club, we’ve been in existence for 25 years, and as I said this is our first opportunity on this stage to show Asia what we can do.”