We’re in this together: Terengganu and Perak players pose for a group photo with a message ‘Football Love Peace’ before their match in Terengganu. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu coach Tomislav Steinbruckner had always stressed that football is not about the first eleven but the character of the players on the bench.
And this was proven when they pulled off a 3-1 win against Perak in their opening Super League match at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Saturday.
While Steinbruckner was concerned with his regulars for misfiring against Perak, he heaped praise on his substitutes who changed the fortunes for the Turtles.
Steinbruckner decided to bring in midfielder Nik Sharif Haseefy Lazim and strikers Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob, Syahmi Zamri and Nnaboike Chukwu as the match was heading to a draw.
The Croation’s trust on the bench was handsomely paid off as Sharif cross into the box was pushed into his own goal by A. Shivan Pillay in the 66th minute before Nigerian Chukwu scored the winner after receiving a pass from Syahmi in the 81st minute.
Uzbekistan international Nurillo Tukhtasinov had given Terengganu the lead in the sixth minute but they had practically gone into a slumber after that.
Despite Luciano Guaycochea scoring through a penalty in the 61st minute for the equaliser, Steinbruckner had his trio of Sharif, Shakir and Chukwu to turn it around.
“I’m happy that the three points were earned for us by the players from the bench,” said Steinbruckner.
“I had told the players before the match that the team are not about the 11 players but we need help from the bench and that had happened for us (against Perak).
“It’s very important three points. We were not looking good for more than half of the match. On some moments we looked like a team but I don’t know what was the reason as we looked tired, too slow and lacking quality.
“However, Sharif, Shakir, Syahmi and CJ (Chukwu) created something when they went in, and we scored the two goals.”
Chukwu, who came in for the experienced Safawi Rasid, was playing for Terengganu II last year.
He has instantly impressed and Steinbruckner is hoping for more fireworks from his substitutes in Super League this season.
Meanwhile, Perak coach Yusri Che Lah said his boys were in the game until Luiz Henrique received the marching orders after receiving his second yellow card in the match.
“We played well, were in the match when we scored the equaliser but the red card to Henrique killed us,” said Yusri.
“At 1-1, we should have taken control of the match and avoid errors. We will improve our performance in our next match.”
Perak will host Police in Ipoh on May 18 while Terengganu will face Penang on May 19.
