Negeri Sembilan rely on twin brothers to progress in Malaysia Cup

Negri Sembilan’s hopes of making their third consecutive Malaysia Cup final will rest largely on the return to form of twins Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak from injuries.

Centreback Aidil picked up a meniscus injury while playing for the national team against Singapore in the Asian Zone World Cup second round qualifying tournament on June 29. He only returned to action last week when he came on as a second-half substitute in Negri’s final Malaysia Cup group match against Terengganu.

 Striker Zaquan, who underwent an ACL on his left knee, has been out of action for six months.

“Both Zaquan and Aidil have shown good progress in training. They are going to make a big difference to our campaign if they regain their form and strength,” said head coach Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah yesterday.

 “It has not been a smooth ride for Negri without the two experienced hands. But we managed to get through our group fixtures to qualify for the quarter-finals. It’s a timely return and it will be a huge boost to our campaign,” said Mohd Azraai.

The Deer finished a dismal eighth in the Super League.  In the FA Cup, they were embarrassingly bundled out by Kuala Lumpur (4-2 on penalty kicks) in the second round.

Mohd Azraai said Zaquan would not be ready for the first-leg of the quarter-finals against Felda United at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya on Monday.

 “I may put Mohd Zaquan to test probably in the return leg of the quarter-finals in Paroi on Oct 14. That also depends on the situation. I don’t want to rush them and aggravate their injuries,” said a concerned Mohd Azraai.

 Negri won the Malaysia Cup in 2009 under Wan Jamak Wan Hassan. They defeated Kelantan 3-1 in the final.

 The following year, Kelantan avenged their defeat with a 2-1 win in the final.

 Mohd Azraai, who replaced Wan Jamak this season, said he would not under-estimate club side Felda United.

 “Felda are tough opponents. We even lost to them in the Super League. In the Malaysia Cup, Felda also beat Kelantan (2-0) in their group match. Coach E. Elavarasan has done a good job and we cannot take things for granted,” said Mohd Azraai.