Kelantan striker Indra Putra cautious over team's early form

The east coast teams are dominating the early proceedings in the Malaysian Super League (MSL).

Kelantan lead the pack with 10 points, one ahead of Terengganu and Perak, after four matches.

But Red Warriors stalwart Indra Putra Mahayuddin warned it was early days yet and they could take scant comfort because other teams were on the rise.

“All of us are still trying to find our rhythm and the task is made harder this time because of the foreign players. Even Kelantan are not having it easy because of the changes. It will take time before the players forge an understanding and start playing as a team,” said Indra.

Kelantan’s imports, both forwards, are Lebanese Mohd Ghaddar Mahmoud and Dennis Antwi from Ghana. Both are slowly making their presence felt with Mohd Ghaddar having scored twice and Antwi once.

Terengganu’s Liberian striker Francis Forkey Doe has been in impressive form with three goals, including a brace in the Turtles’ 2-1 win over T-Team on Saturday. Perak’s resurgence is due to new signing Michal Kubala from Slovakia while Negri Sembilan’s Cameroon hitman Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona has been instrumental in the Deer’s strong showing with four goals.

Indra said besides the domestic competition, their focus would also be on the AFC Cup in March. Kelantan are drawn in Group H with Ayeyawady United of Myanmar, Arema Indonesia and Navibank Saigon.

“Hopefully, we will be able to settle down before the AFC Cup. It’s time we looked at bigger goals rather than just doing well in domestic competitions,” said Indra, who has a full set of winner’s medals in the M-League.

Terengganu are the other Malaysian representative in the AFC Cup. The Turtles are in Group F with Kitchee FC (HK), Song Lam Nghe An (Vie) and Tampines Rovers (Sin).