Terengganu FC Aims to Score Goals Against Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia Cup Semifinals
Kuala Nerus, Jan 16 (Bernama) – Terengganu FC (TFC) will not resort to ‘parking the bus’ in front of their goal in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semifinals against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (SSMZA) here tomorrow night.
Head Coach’s Expectations
The head coach of the Turtles, Badrul Afzan Razali, emphasized the importance of scoring goals against the Southern Tigers in a two-legged format, especially when playing at home. "We acknowledge the tough challenge of facing the giants, JDT, tomorrow. But that’s no excuse to fear or give up before the battle begins," he said. "I urge the players to give their best performance. Use the advantage of the first leg at home to secure goals as a cushion for the return leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI) on Feb 1," he added.
Team Selection and Strategy
However, Badrul Afzan reminded his players to adhere to the planned strategies and avoid simple mistakes that could expose their defence. He also expressed relief that nimble winger Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid will be available for tomorrow’s match after signing a permanent contract with TFC until the 2026/27 season.
However, the Turtles’ defence will be slightly weakened with the absence of Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury. "Ivan Mamut is also unavailable as he is still undergoing rehabilitation, while Safawi (Muhammad Safawi Rasid) remains tied to JDT," Badrul Afzan said. "But I trust our local players to perform well. Their performance and quality have been proven in previous matches," he added, stating that he already has a clear idea of the starting lineup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Terengganu FC is determined to score goals against Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semifinals. With a strong lineup and a clear strategy, the Turtles are confident in their ability to secure a positive result and set themselves up for success in the return leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the strategy for the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semifinals?
A: Terengganu FC will not resort to ‘parking the bus’ in front of their goal and will instead focus on scoring goals against Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg.
Q: Who will be available for the match?
A: Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid will be available for the match after signing a permanent contract with TFC until the 2026/27 season.
Q: Who will be missing for the match?
A: Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad is sidelined due to an ankle injury, while Ivan Mamut is still undergoing rehabilitation and Safawi (Muhammad Safawi Rasid) remains tied to JDT.