The East Coast rivalry between Terengganu and Kelantan, which started in the FA Cup Final in June, is expected to reach a crescendo when the two clash in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup today.
The Turtles have the upper hand, having beaten the Red Warriors in June to become FA Cup champions but their coach Irfan Bakti insisted it is the meeting of two champions as Kelantan are the Super League champions.
“I feel that this clash should be ‘the final’.
“Most have picked Kelantan to go through but they forget we have the means to beat the Red Warriors,” said Irfan, who is confident of his players’ abilities.
Irfan explained that his team’s main weapon was the players’ unity in playing for each other. I hope all players can keep their focus throughout the 90 minutes.
“I will field my best and strongest line-up tomorrow including Joseph Kalang, who just returned from playing against Australia. With Abdul Hadi Yahaya and Abdul Manaf Mamat in attack, we hope to score as many goals as possible before the return leg,” he said adding that the advantage of playing at home must be used fully.
Irfan said ‘special attention’ would be given to Kelantan striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and midfielder Badri Radzi.
“We will be paying particular attention to these two players. The players have been instructed to keep a close guard on both,” he said.
Irfan urged his players to use their past experiences of facing Kelantan to their advantage.
“It is time to get the job done. Teamwork is everything and I am confident we have the means to progress.”
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