Ognenovski backs former club Adelaide to defeat Pohang

Former Adelaide United defender Sasa Ognenovski believes the Reds can defeat reigning Asian champions Pohang Steelers tomorrow night.

The 30-year old centre-half is currently with South Korean club Seongnam Ilhwa so he knows the Steelers very well after playing against them four times last season (for three wins) and he says Adelaide, at home, can do the job despite Pohang strengthening their squad from last year.

"They're a good footballing side," he said.

"They've got a new signing, Seol Ki-Hyun, the Korean international, and they've got the Brazilian Mota who faced us when I was with Adelaide playing against Seongnam.

"Seol played for Fulham and was with Reading for years in England and Mota, he's dangerous.”

But despite those signings, Ognenovski says Adelaide has their own quality players and says that not too much should be changed from how they played last time they were in the competition.

“I don't think Adelaide should change much from when we made it all the way to group stages and to the final in 2008," he added. "You've got to keep it tight and try to hit them on the counter.

"Adelaide has the likes of Mathew Leckie and Travis Dodd with pace up front. They would be the best option against Pohang."

Adelaide take on Pohang at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night whilst Ognenovski’s Seongnam are at home to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale tonight.