MALANG: Persiwa Wamena are under no pressure ahead of their AFC Cup debut against VB of the Maldives at Gajayana Stadium on Wednesday according to coach Zaenal Abidin.

The AFC Cup is unfamiliar territory for the Indonesian team and coach Abidin is refusing to set his side a target ahead of the Group G opener.

“I’m just trying to be realistic. We haven't set any targets in this competition. We’re going to face a tough opponent, I’m just hoping we don’t concede a lot of goals,” said Abidin.

“We’re going to play our best because this is our first ever international match, most of our players never play outside Indonesia. It’s going to be a precious experience.”

VB played in the group stage of the AFC Cup last year and Abidin has underlined the importance of a strong mental attitude for his domestic-based side against the Maldives champions.

“We don’t know anything about our opponent, but we remain optimistic,” he added. “We’re going to play offensive. It’s not about how good our opponent will play, it’s about how we deal with them.

“We have made a policy to field our local players. I know I can count on them as they have proved their capability in the past.”

VB traveled to Indonesia without Mohamed Hussain, although there is uncertainty for the reason behind his absence.

Imran Mohamed, Mohamed Umair and promising defender Ahmed Saeed have joined VB from domestic runners-up and fellow AFC Cup qualifiers Victory SC, although they have been unable to take part in competitive games with the domestic league not starting until next month and Turkish coach Bahtiyar Can Vanli has been forced to settle for an eight week build up.

“We are a good team because most of our players are Maldives national players. We have been learning Persiwa’s videotapes in the past few days and we know how to cope with them,” said Vanli.

“We are a solid side, it’s been proven by our positive track record in domestic competition.”