Resurgent: Terengganu’s Jordan Mintah (right) attempts a shot at the Melaka goal during their FA Cup match at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu have found their groove with several youngsters hitting the right notes in the FA Cup.
This was evident as the Turtles pulled off a superb 4-0 win against Melaka to reach the quarter-finals at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Friday.
Ghanaian striker Jordan Mintah was the toast with two goals in the 82nd and 93rd minutes, while the other goals were scored by Croatian striker Ivan Mamut (5th minute) and winger Hakimi Abdullah (71st minute).
But more importantly, youngsters like Hakimi, Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob, Safwan Mazlan and Azam Azmi Murad showed they had it in them to play starring roles for Terengganu.
Coach Tomislav Steinbruckner was delighted with his team’s dominant play and applauded the youngsters.
“Results look good. We expended more energy than I wanted but we made it to the next round. I’m satisfied,” said Steinbruckner
“I’ve been observing our youngsters in training. Shakir looked good in the last 10 days. I gave him a chance and he did well. Hakimi scored again and looks okay.
“Safwan played well but needs to be more patient. I expect more from him because he is a national junior player.
“These young players will feature more under me for sure.”
Steinbruckner is also delighted with the form shown by Terengganu’s very own ‘’M&Ms’’, Mamut and Mintah.
Mamut, who struggled at the beginning of the season, has now scored three goals in the last three games, while Mintah has six in the last five matches.
“Ivan and Jordan have improved. They have more confidence, and the team are moving well too.
“Confidence comes with good results, and the atmosphere in the changing room is getting better. We have won four matches in a row, including the last three league matches.”
Their next game is in the Super League, where they will take on second-place Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday.
Terengganu are sixth in the league with 13 points.
