Sydney FC winger Bernie Ibini is hoping for a special atmosphere at Allianz Stadium as he gets set to compete in his first semi-final with the Sky Blues.
After joining Head Coach Graham Arnold’s squad in May 2014, Ibini said he’s looking forward to being a part of Sydney FC’s first home semi-final for five years, as he said he’ll be taking the match as any other game, dispelling the “big game” tag.
“It’s going to be very special,” Ibini said.
“This is my first semi at home for Sydney and hopefully a big crowd will turn out and it will be very special for me and the team.
“I think I’ll be just taking it as another game, not putting too much pressure on myself.
“We all have the ability to play in these big games so we just have to play our normal game and I’m sure it will work out for us.
“I’m obviously looking forward to it a lot,” he continued.
“We’ve worked hard all season to get to this point so I’m sure all the boys are ready for it.”
The Sky Blues have endured a tough time against the Reds of late, however Ibini stressed that after playing some of the best football against Adelaide last time out, the only change needs to come on the score line on Saturday night.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough game, semi-finals are very tight,” he said.
“One mistake can cost you the game so it’s going to be a tight game and we’re going to have to be at our best to win it.
“We don’t have to change much, we just have to change the score line,” he continued.
“I think especially the last game, Galekovic had the game of his life so if we play like that I’m sure we’ll convert chances and I think converting chances is all we need to change.
“It was some of the best football we’ve played [in our previous match], the result didn’t go our way but hopefully it will make us hungrier this game.
“Hopefully we can play the same way and get the result as well.”
Sydney FC take on Adelaide United in the semi-final of the Hyundai A-League Finals Series presented by Foxtel on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7:30pm). Purchase your tickets today and cheer the Sky Blues on in this must win game.
