Faltering Sk Russel seek AFC Cup tonic

A struggling Sheikh Russel KC will be hoping to move past their dismal domestic performance when they take on Tatung FC of Chinese Taipei in their opening Group C match of the AFC Cup Play-Off Qualifiers at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan today.

The match will start at 6:00pm (Bangladesh Standard Time).

Sheikh Russel have been going through a bad patch in the ongoing JB Bangladesh Premier League, having lost five out of six matches, and the confidence of last edition's runners-up is definitely at a low ebb and it will be a tough task for the charges of Maruful Haque to bounce back at international level.

However, Maruful's boys can be bolstered by the inclusion of four guest players from Chittagong Abahani and Sheikh Jamal DC, who have been in top form.

Sheikh Russel' defence is considered very vulnerable -- they conceded 10 goals in six league matches -- and the inclusion of Nasir Chowdhury and Yeasin Khan will certainly strengthen the backline while winger Mohammad Ibrahim and Rubel Mia of Ctg Abahani will definitely create some scoring opportunity for Sheikh Russel forwards against Tatung FC, who had played out a goalless draw with Tertons FC of hosts Bhutan on Sunday.