The odds were stacked against Terengganu although they went to Kota Baru with a 3-1 first-leg lead.
But the Turtles overcame Kelantan and their vociferous fans with a gritty show.
Irfan’s team were 4-1 up on aggregate after Abdul Manaf provided a clever pass for Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin to score in the 18th minute. Azmuddin Mohd Akil then equalised for Kelantan but again the Turtles went in front through Mohd Ashaari. Kelantan skipper Mohd Badhri then made it 2-2 by converting a penalty in the 70th minute but Terengganu held on book a place in the last four.
“ I want to thank my players for the win. They played well despite being under a lot of pressure. I was never worried of Kelantan making a comeback as we were playing well defensively,” said Irfan.
“We actually gifted them a goal after goalkeeper Mohd Sharbinee (Allawee) conceded a penalty,” added Irfan, who will be looking for his second title of the season after steering the Turtles to the FA Cup in June.
On the last four showdown with 32-time Malaysia Cup champions Selangor, Irfan said: “We need to minimise the mistakes. We have to work harder as Selangor are really tough opponents.”
There was also joy for Terengganu as their other side, T-Team, also reached the last four after beating Sabah 2-1 at home for a 4-2 aggregate win.
T-Team will face Negri Sembilan in the other semi-final.
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