Tue Nov 05 10:24:49 UTC 2024: ## Central Coast Mariners Face Tough Test Against Shanghai Shenhua in AFC Champions League
**Gosford, Australia -** The Central Coast Mariners are set to host Chinese Super League giants Shanghai Shenhua at Our Paradise on Tuesday evening in a crucial AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) fixture.
Despite a strong start to their domestic season and a spirited performance against Shenhua’s rivals, Shanghai Port, in their last ACLE match, the Mariners are yet to register a win in the competition.
The Mariners will be looking to overcome the disappointment of a draw against Perth Glory in the A-League and build on the positive aspects of their recent performances.
Head Coach, Nick Montgomery, acknowledges the formidable challenge presented by Shenhua, who narrowly missed out on the CSL title after a remarkable season that saw them lose just one game.
“It’s going to be a tough game against a strong opponent,” Montgomery said in his pre-match press conference. “They are coming off the back of disappointment, missing out on the title in their league but we know they are a really strong team with a good squad.”
Montgomery highlighted the importance of containing Shenhua’s potent attacking threat, led by the Brazilian forward Andre Luis and Swiss striker Cephas Malele, both of whom have netted twice in the ACLE and scored prolifically in the CSL.
“We know their attacking players have a lot of flair and creativity and behind them they are structured and organised,” Montgomery cautioned. “Their forward players can unlock defences and don’t need many chances to score. We have to make sure we are right defensively.”
The Mariners will be looking to Mikael Doka, who has scored two goals in the ACLE, including a goal of the season contender against Shanghai Port, to provide a potent attacking threat.
The game will also mark the return of Sasha Kuzevski to the starting lineup after a strong performance in his debut for the club against Perth.
With injuries to key players Bradley Tapp and Christian Theoharous, the Mariners will be looking to their squad depth and experience to overcome the challenge.
Captain Jacob Kaltak echoed Montgomery’s sentiments about the importance of focusing on the Mariners’ strengths and executing their game plan.
“We understand that Shanghai Shenhua are one of the best teams we are going to come up against,” Kaltak said. “We have watched videos and learned about how they play, but we are focussing on ourselves and how we can execute our plan together.”
With the game set to be a tight and intense encounter, the Mariners will be hoping to secure their first victory in the ACLE and take a crucial step towards achieving their ambitions in Asia’s top club competition.
First Piper 