PETALING JAYA: Have faith. That’s all Negri Sembilan coach K. Nanthakumar asked of his charges in order to overturn a 1-2 deficit against Police in their Malaysia Cup quarter-final second leg on Friday.
And the Deer’s unwavering belief was key as they left the Cops freezing on their own backyard after a 3-0 win at the Selayang Stadium to advance into the quarter-finals on a 4-2 aggregate.
Nanthakumar was also proud that his players prevailed despite playing on a wet field due to the rain.
“Losing the first leg at home in Paroi was hard to take as we conceded two last-minute goals. The players were down, and I told them that they needed to have faith and believe they can still win the game,’’ said the former national player.
“They overcame a big challenge, not only against a tough Police side but also playing on a difficult pitch due to the rain.’’
Negri drew first blood in the eighth minute, thanks to an own goal by Police playmaker Ezrul Ashraf Effendy in the eighth minute.
Wingers Hadin Azman and A. Selvan were on target in the 53rd and 81st minutes to book Negri’s ticket into the last eight.
Negri will face Terengganu in the quarter-finals after the Turtles tamed Melaka 4-1 on aggregate. Nanthakumar said his side will have to be more aggressive in attack against Terengganu.
“Terengganu are an experienced who do well in cup competitions. Our attack has to be sharper in order for us to overcome them.”
Meanwhile, there was more good news for Negri as their centreback Harith Samsuri has been picked for the national team preparing for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup starting on Dec 8.
“That’s a proud moment for everyone in the team. When coach Ela (E. Elavarasan, assistant national coach) called and said that they wanted Harith in the team, I was so happy.
“When he asked if I could release him even though the tournament is not part of the FIFA calendar, I said yes because this is a good opportunity for Harith. As a coach, I believe this experience will boost his career.”
