Selangor and Felda United, the two surviving Klang Valley teams in the Malaysia Cup, are determined to shed their underdog tags to win the country's most prestigious title.
The 32-time champions face Perak, the competition's only unbeaten side, in Shah Alam while Felda meet former champions Negri Sembilan in Kelana Jaya in today's quarter-final first leg matches.
Selangor's season were bogged down by injuries and internal conflict which led to the resignation of K. Devan but his replacement P. Maniam managed to steer the team into the quarter-finals after edging Kuala Lumpur 2-1 on the final day of the group stage.
Selangor's season were bogged down by injuries and internal conflict which led to the resignation of K. Devan but his replacement P. Maniam managed to steer the team into the quarter-finals after edging Kuala Lumpur 2-1 on the final day of the group stage.
As for Perak, coach Norizan Bakar is enjoying his best run, despite losing five players -- Nasril Nourdin (goalkeeper), Mohd Syazwan Mohd Roslan, Azmeer Yusof (defenders), Shahrulnizam Mustapa (midfielder) and Akmal Rizal Rakhli (striker) -- through suspension. He has turned his young side into a formidable unit in the Malaysia Cup.
"I've not done anything special. We took it one match at a time and did well in all of them in the group stage where we gave our 100 per cent. We will continue to do so against Selangor," said the confident Norizan.
As for Maniam, the former international needs a good outing against Perak to ensure his position with Selangor becomes a permanent one.
As for Maniam, the former international needs a good outing against Perak to ensure his position with Selangor becomes a permanent one.
"We will need to work extra hard as I believe we are the underdogs. Perak are doing well but if my players give their 100 per cent, then we will have a chance," said Maniam, who confirmed he will field his strongest line-up with the return of several injured players. "I will have more options for every department. We, however, still lack the finish but those available are trying their best to make a difference. It is important that we take our chances well," he added.
The winner will face either defending champions Kelantan or FA Cup champions Terengganu, in the semi-finals.
Felda coach E. Elavarasan said his players need to give their 100 per cent against an on-form Negri side.
"We have created history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time and I've told my boys to go one better.
"However, we need to perform consistently which was lacking in our final two matches in the group stage. I think we can match them in every department. I would say we have a 50-50 chance to beat them," he said.
Elavarasan, who guided Felda to last season's Premier League title, said new signings S. Sivanesan (midfielder) and D. Saarvindran (attacking midfielder) have added depth to his team.
"Both were instrumental throughout the group stage and I hope they will continue to make a difference to the team against Negri," he added.
Negri, whose poor showing in the Super League led to the resignation of coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan, have bounced back impressively in the Malaysia Cup.
Coach Azraai Khor, however, hopes his players would not get over-confident against Felda.
"I do not want them to take Felda lightly as anything can happen in the knockout stage. We must stay focused and treat them with respect," said Azraai.
The winners will meet either Sabah or T-Team.
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