Bring on the giants: Terengganu’s Ismaheel Akinade celebrating his goal against Selangor in their FA Cup semi-final first leg match. —Terengganu FC
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu’s Ismaheel Akinade is ready to team up with a new combination in a bid to give giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) a run for their money in the Super League at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Friday.
The lanky Nigerian striker scored the winner when the Turtles beat Selangor 3-2 in the FA Cup semi-final first leg at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak last week.
He dominated the front by constantly switching places with Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid in the attacking third.
But for the league match, Safawi and Akhyar are unavailable as they are on-loan from JDT and Akinade will have to work with a new duo.
The wingers available to replace them are Nik Shareef Haseefy Lazim, Norhakim Hassan, Syafik Ismail and Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob.
“It is going to be a hard game. We will miss Akhyar and Safawi because they are on-loan from there. We have to rejig things and find new combinations. Our coach (Tomislav Steinbruckner) will work that out,” said the 30-year-old Akinade.
“It is nice playing with Aky (Akhyar) and Pawi (Safawi). The three of us have a good relationship on and off the field. We will try to cause problems for the opponents.
“It will be different against JDT but the team had a few days to prepare. We are full of confidence because we have not lost in any competition yet. JDT are also undefeated.
“So only the best team will win on the day.
‘‘We will give our all.”
The Turtles have played four league games so far this season, winning two and drawing two and are currently third with eight points.
They have also won all their games so far in the FA Cup.
“There is still a long way to go but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s good but there’s always room for improvement for the team,” said Akinade.
