AFC Cup : Global Fc vs South China

Meanwhile, South China will aim to turn around a mediocre season when they kick off their AFC Cup campaign against Philippine side Global in Manila on Wednesday night.

The opening group G match at Rizal Memorial Stadium is important for the former Hong Kong champions as they need a successful regional cup campaign to satisfy demanding boss Wallace Cheung Kwong-yung, who took over the team from Steven Lo Kit-sing last summer.

The Caroliners lie third in the domestic table and although they are only two points behind leaders Eastern, they have played two more games.

Unlikely to challenge for the title and coupled with defeat in the Senior Shield last four, South China are struggling to live up to expectations.

"South China are always under pressure to achieve results but we are confident of overcoming the difficulties," said captain Chan Wai-ho. "We have a good record in the AFC Cup and it will help us if we start the tournament in a convincing way.

"The team is in good form and the players are expecting a good game in the Philippines. The only worry is the floodlights are very dim and we will be playing on artificial turf."

South China Morning Post