Carlos, Fouda still injured

The three teams that PSM Makassar will face in the quarterfinals look set and ready. Without wasting any time, they have come and practiced at the Mattoanging Stadium on Monday night (3/19).

Jubilo Iwata of Japan arrived the earliest at 1:15 AM Makassar time Monday morning. Shandong Luneng of China arrived later in the morning, while Suwon Samsung arrived the latest at 16:30 PM of the same day.

According to PSM's press secretary, Drs. Tautoto Tanaranggina, the three teams stay at two different hotels. Jubilo stays at Sahid Makassar Hotel, while Shandong and Samsung pick Marannu Tower Hotel as their compounds.

Each team had different sessions of training last night, and each session lasted for about an hour. There were quite a few of Makassar public who came to the stadium and watched them practice.

Among the three, Jubilo Iwata looked to be the one that attracted the most attention. Maybe because Jubilo is touted to be the strongest team among the other four contestants. The public paid close attention to their stars, such as striker Masashi Nakayama. Unfortunately, Jubilo has to let go three of their stars - Naohiro Takahara, Toshihiro Hattori, and Hiroshi Nanami - because they are needed for the Japanese national team's friendly match against world champions France.

If the visiting teams look ready, then the same thing cannot be said about the hosts, PSM Makassar. Their playmaker, who also happens to be the skipper of the team, Brazilian Antonio Carlos de Mello is still struggling with an injury on his left ankle. He's recovering, but doubtful whether he will play in the first game on Wednesday (3/21).

And as if things aren't bad enough, their explosive Cameroonian striker Fouda Ntsama is also struggling with a hamstring injury. Fouda himself feels very sorry if he has to miss this big event.

from Jawa Pos Online