PETALING JAYA: The Turtles could be slowed down in defence after leftback Alif Zakaria was ruled out for the rest of season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury which requires surgery.
Alif, one of Terengganu’s best wingbacks, will miss the east coast side’s clash with Negri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi today.
He was also unfit for the recent Asean Club Championships match against BG Pathum United.
Terengganu coach Badrul Afzan Razali admitted losing Alif was a big blow, with eight matches remaining in the Super League.
But fortunately, he has a solution to the problem. Badrul will move centreback Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili to the leftback position, a role he has taken on several times in various competitions.
The 21-year-old is one of the most highly rated defenders in the country, also capable of operating as an effective wingback.
“I’ve played Ubaidullah at leftback in some games, and he has been comfortable in the position. That makes him a good replacement for Alif,” said Badrul.
“We have an all local backline and as a coach, I’m proud we’ve done well with them so far.’’
Terengganu are fourth in the league with 24 points from 16 matches.
Meanwhile, Negri coach K. Nanthakumar said despite Alif’s absence, Terengganu remain a solid outfit overall.
“They have Safawi (Rasid), Akhyar (Rashid) and Manny (Ott). These players are dangerous and we can’t let them out of our sight,” he said.
Negri are 12th in the league with nine points from 17 matches.
