AFC Cup | Chennaiyin FC mentally and physically ready for away games, says Dhanpal Ganesh

Former Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC are busy with their AFC Cup encounters these days. With two wins and a draw in three games so far, the team from Tamil Nadu is leading the points table of Group E at the moment. However, the team will play their next game away home. They will take on Abahani Dhaka on May 15 in their next game of the tournament.

Tamil Nadu midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh has said that the team will miss out on the crowd support away from home but they are mentally and physically ready for the challenges for their next few games.

“You can’t get the kind of (crowd) support you get in a home game for an away game. We've played home games until now, and we are top of the table. Away games are totally different because we are unaccustomed to the climate and the ground condition. We just suddenly arrive, practice for a day, and play the next day. Some teams play on artificial turf, some on natural grass. We have to adapt to these things. However, our team is mentally and physically ready,” Dhanpal told Sportstar.

“Playing the AFC Cup is no ordinary feat, because you have champions from across Asia. Playing the tournament is in itself a matter of pride for CFC. The first three games have gone well – all were tough teams. As far as I know, the team is set. It’s mainly the coach’s tactics that has helped us get this far.”

Foreign players Raphael Augusto and Chris Herd have been out of the side because of their injuries. Meanwhile, Ganesh has said that it is difficult for the side to miss Raphael but the bench strength is good for Chennaiyin FC.

“The team has gotten strong now. It’s obviously difficult without Raphael since it’s almost like the team has never played without him. It’s unlucky he’s got injured. He’ll come back soon. The team is at the top of the table now; so, no issue. The bench strength is good,” the midfielder mentioned.

“I’ve just come back. I’ve come back quickly because I have the National team in my mind. It’s my dream to regularly play for the National team. I don’t know if I’ll be in the scheme of things now. There’s a new coach coming. The squad (for the King’s Cup) will be announced in 10-20 days. I hope I get named (in the squad).”