The need for speed: Terengganu’s Akhyar Rashid evading a challenge from Melaka’s Ahmad Haziq Ahmad Puad during their Malaysia Cup match on Nov 29. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu will be looking to get ahead early when they take on Negri Sembilan in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals today.
The Turtles’ head coach Badrul Afzan Razali wants his team to take the lead as soon as possible when they travel to take on Negri at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
“An early goal is important for the team as it would increase their morale and also prevent them from feeling pressured, especially when playing an away game.
“At the same time, I am confident that the players will make use of the goal-scoring opportunities before we play the second-leg fixture,” he said.
Terengganu coach Badrul Afzan Razali. — Bernama
Terengganu had made their way into the quarter-finals after beating A1 Semi-Pro League side Melaka 4-1 on aggregate last month.
For today’s match, Badrul also reminded his players not to underestimate their opponents, even though Negri are currently bottom of the Super League, while Terengganu are fourth.
Badrul is also relieved that his squad isn’t plagued by injuries, but playing in multiple competitions can be taxing.
“This gives us the best chance to send the best line-up for the match, but I reminded my players not to look down on our opponents.
“The league and Malaysia Cup are different, so the players need to perform their usual duties to qualify for the semi-finals,” he said.
Meanwhile for Negri, they hope to have ironed out the rough spots in their defence that saw them get thrashed 4-0 by Selangor on Monday in the Super League.
Negri midfielder Zainal Abidin Jamil is aware of the team’s weaknesses and does not want them to repeat the same mistakes at home.
“We know that the loss to Selangor was due to our own mistakes and we have learned our lesson.
“We are determined to bounce back stronger to get the win,” he said.
