Plotting an upset: Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain giving instructions at a training session as goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz looks on. — KDA Facebook
PETALING JAYA: It won’t be easy, but Kedah want to ruin Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) party in the FA Cup semi-finals today.
The Canaries will be hosting the Southern Tigers at the Darul Aman Stadium tonight, and with their recent good runs, will pose a threat to JDT.
Despite the absence of striker Syafiq Ahmad, who is on loan from JDT and can’t be fielded for the semi-final clash, Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain has replacement options ready.
“We have other opinions with several players who can fill in for Syafiq,” said Nafuzi.
“We will ensure that the player is suitable for us, depending on how we are going to play against JDT.
Nafuzi currently has import players Milos Gordic and Ebenezer Assifuah to lead the attacking front, while Syafiq’s role could be assumed by the likes of Fayadh Zulkifli Amin, Aiman Afif Md Afizul, Afeeq Iqmal Rosli, and playmaker Faiz Nasir, who is on loan from Terengganu.
Kedah have been in good form lately, earning their ticket back in the semi-finals after five years when they defeated Penang 1-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
Sony Norde warming up.
Kedah’s record against JDT hasn’t been the best, having lost eight of their last 10 matches against them.
As for JDT, they have been a scoring machine with 24 goals in their last 10 fixtures, while Kedah only managed five.
But Kedah winger Sony Norde is confident his side can pull off a surprise against the three-time FA Cup winners.
The Haitian player said the team were on a good momentum, having won four out of their last five fixtures.
“We want to continue our dream in the semi-finals against a well-equipped team like JDT. The team and fans know it will be a challenging fixture,” said Norde.
“The players need to be prepared at the highest level based on our preparations and hope to be able to implement the coach’s plan in the match.’’
Playing at home, Norde added that support from fans will go a long way as the team need a good result before playing the second leg fixture in Johor next month.
“We need the support and encouragement from outside the field.
‘‘I hope the fans will flood the stadium to support the players for this important game,” he added.
