Wednesday August 13, 2008
Azraai keeps his charges’ feet on the ground
By Loganath Vello
GEORGE TOWN: Kedah coach Mohd Azraai Khor does not want his players to believe too much in their favourites tag ahead of their Malaysia Cup semi-final against Terengganu.
The Super League and FA Cup champions, who are just three steps away from a historic second consecutive treble, take on the Turtles in the first-leg today at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Star.
Motivated marksman: Selangor striker Safee Sali has promised to fire the Red Giants to victory in their Malaysia Cup semi-final against Johor FC. Azraai has warned his players not to get carried away with all the accolades heaped on the team following their clinical 5-0 aggregate demolition of Perak in the quarter-finals.
In contrast, Terengganu had to slog for their ticket to the semis, enduring a goalless 210 minutes of football before overcoming Perlis 7-6 on sudden-death penalties.
“People can say whatever they want about Kedah being the favourites but the players should not believe the hype and must stay focused. Terengganu were one of the few teams who beat us in the league this season. They are a very hard-working side and will never give up as proven in their penalty shoot-out triumph over Perlis in the last eight,” said Azraai from Alor Star yesterday.
In the league, Terengganu defeated Kedah 3-1 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium last December, but the Canaries avenged that with a 2-1 win at the Darulaman Stadium in April.
“Although I would prefer to play the return-leg at home, we can still take advantage of playing at home first like we did against Perak last week. Taking a comfortable lead in Alor Star would pile the pressure on our opponents and allow us more breathing space when we travel to Kuala Terengganu this weekend.”
The return-leg will be played at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Saturday.
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