Hattrick hero: Police’s Ifedayo Olusegun in action. — PDRM FC
PETALING JAYA: Police are in high spirits after their 5-0 win against Kelantan in the Super League on Wednesday but can they keep up that energy when they take on Melaka in the Challenge Cup quarter-final second leg fixture tomorrow?
Police head coach P. Maniam knows the players’ fitness will be an important aspect to look at before coming up with a game plan to take on A1 Semi-Pro League side Melaka.
“We can’t make too many technical and tactical changes because the players’ recovery is very important now,” he said.
“There is only about two days before playing again, so we need to see how the squad are doing physically and make our move from there.’’
But Maniam is hoping his players can replicate their 5-0 performance against Kelantan against Melaka tomorrow.
It looked like it was Ifedayo Olusegun’s day at the Selayang Stadium as the Nigerian striker scored a hattrick before half-time but he was sent off during added time.
Shahrel Fikri extended Police’s lead after scoring two goals in the 66th and 71st minutes.
“I think after he scored the goals, he gave a little extra. But perhaps the timing wasn’t right.
“Although I felt that it was a minimum contact, the referee decided it was a red card, so we had to proceed with 10 men.
“But overall, we are very happy with the results against Kelantan. The players gave their best and created chances.
“We can see that the players are playing with spirit, and that is something I want to see in the next match,” he said.
Police are currently tied 2-2 after the quarter-final first leg match against Melaka in the Challenge Cup.
