Dewa United Banten FC coach Jan Olde Riekerink was disappointed that his team failed to reach the semifinals of the AFC Challenge League after losing 2-3 on aggregate to the Philippine team, Manila Digger, in the quarterfinals.
Dewa lost 0-1 in the first leg, then drew 2-2 in the second leg at the Indomilk Arena, Tangerang Regency.
Pa Ousman Gai and Modou Joof gave the visitors an early lead, before Damion Lowe's double levelled the scores.
"Six days ago, we played in Manila, and we were able to analyze that match quite well," Jan Olde told the I.League.
Manila Digger fielded nine African players in their best eleven, seven of whom were from Gambia.
According to Jan Olde, this is a distinct advantage for the visiting team because the connection between the players is better established because the majority are from the same continent.
