T-Team looking for early goal against Sabah to settle down

T-Team will go for an early goal in their Malaysia Cup quarter-final match against Sabah at the Likas Stadium tonight.

Coach Yunus Alif said scoring an early goal would transform his T-Team into an A Team during the clash.

“We take it as a stern test, especially playing Sabah on their home ground. We will not underestimate Sabah, especially when they are playing in front of their fans,” said Yunus.

He added Sabah would surely attack T-Team’s goal from the start, thus counter attacking play will play a key part.

“We will not ‘park the bus’ but will attack as well and take every chance we get,” he said.

Yunus said the attacking combination of Fitri Omar, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Nor Farhan Mohamad would the team’s main weapon.
  
“I have not finalised my starting eleven but these three will surely play as they are our key players. I want the players to stay focused as facing Sabah on their home turf will be hard.

“We must not be complacent and concede any goals,” he said, adding that scoring away goals is equally important before the return leg in Kuala Terengganu on Oct 14.

On the team’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals, Yunus said it was time for the players to prove their worth.

“We must prove to all our doubters that we have the quality to reach the semi-finals. This is the business-end of the competition and we must win to ensure progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah coach Justin Ganai said the team had a big responsibility being the sole representative of Borneo in the competition.

“On paper, I admit T-Team have the advantage based on a number of former national team players. They also won both meetings in the Super League last season but we will not be pushovers as we want a ticket to the semi-finals too,” said Justin.

Justin added that playing at home was definitely an advantage given the strong support of the fans.