AFF has officially announced the schedule and venues for the semifinals of the AFF Club Championship – Shopee Cup 2024/2025. Hanoi Police FC will face PSM Makassar in a two-legged tie, with both matches scheduled to kick off at 19:30 on April 2 and April 30.
Notably, the first leg on April 2 will be held at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali instead of PSM Makassar’s usual home ground, Gelora B.J. Habibie Stadium in Makassar. This change is designed to ease the pressure on Hanoi Police FC by eliminating the overwhelming home crowd atmosphere that typically comes with playing at Makassar’s stadium. Additionally, hosting the match at a neutral venue in Bali helps the team avoid the fatigue and logistical challenges associated with multiple long-haul flights.
Hanoi Police FC’s strategic relocation for the first leg serves a dual purpose. First, it levels the playing field by reducing the influence of a partisan crowd. Since the stadium in Bali is neutral and unlikely to be filled with Makassar supporters, it minimizes the intimidating factor that could affect the performance of the visiting team. Second, it preserves the players’ physical condition by limiting excessive travel, ensuring that the team is as fresh as possible for both legs of the tie.
Looking ahead, if Hanoi Police FC overcomes PSM Makassar in the semifinals, they are set to face a Thai opponent in the final. The other semifinal pairing is between BG Pathum United and Buriram United, both representing Thailand. The first leg of the final is scheduled for May 14, with the return leg to be held a week later. With two Thai teams already confirmed in the final, a victory for Hanoi Police FC could mean that Thai football will have a strong presence in the championship match.
This scheduling decision is significant for several reasons. By shifting the first leg to Bali, the organizers have ensured that the match will be played under conditions that favor a fair contest. It not only helps to mitigate the usual home advantage enjoyed by PSM Makassar but also prevents unnecessary exhaustion from excessive travel. For young readers, this means that sometimes teams change where they play to make sure every team has a fair chance to win.
Overall, the AFF’s careful planning sets the stage for an exciting semifinal. Hanoi Police FC, with a balanced blend of tactical preparation and fresh energy, is poised to take on a formidable opponent in PSM Makassar. Their ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the final, and a win in the first leg will provide a crucial advantage as the competition moves toward its climax.
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