# PKNS coach Elavarasan, however, look at a JDT-Kedah final
# ‘FA Cup surprises could still play a part’ – Elavarasan
The FA Cup aura cannot be ruled out after the eight quarter-finalists were decided and the draw made with star-studded Johor Darul Takzim getting the nod of everyone as the early favourites.
PKNS FC chief coach E. Elavarasan, however, believes that all eight teams have the potential to advance to the last four after several big names from the elite Super League were knocked out by lesser known teams.
Among the big names to bite the dust were two-time champions Pahang, last year’s runners-up Kelantan, Malaysia Cup champions Selangor and Terengganu.
This left four Super League and four Premier League teams battling for a place in the semi-finals with JDT battling Police in all Super League tie and PKNS facing Sime Darby in an all-Premier League tie.
“JDT are the early favourites but after seeing teams from the lower division packing off some of the big names in the Super League more surprises cannot be ruled out in the quarter-finals,” said Elavarasan.
Elavarasan ‘s team will face their Premier League rivals Sime Darby FC in the two-leg quarter-finals – a team they have beaten 3-1 in a league match last month. Sime Darby were the FA Cup finalists in 2012.
But the plum tie remains between two Super League outfits – JDT and Police. Police turned giant killers when they defeated the much touted Selangor, the reigning Malaysia Cup champions 2-1 in the third round.
PKNS were not given much hope against Terengganu and Felda United but the Selangor outfit packed off both in style. They beat Terengganu 3-1 in a second round match before taking care of Felda United 3-2 in the third round.
“We had a bad start to the season when we our first two league matches but we have now settled down and they players are playing with confidence. Still, we are not underrating Sime Darby…we simply cannot be over confident,” said Elavarasan, adding that the FA Cup is always full of surprises.
“The FA Cup has an aura of its own,” reminded Elavarasan.
Kuala Lumpur bring a wealth of FA Cup experience and the current Premier League leaders will have to be wary of a gritty young Perak side who have stayed afloat despite a bagful of injuries.
Kedah face Sabah and the East Malaysians face a tough hurdle against Tan Cheng Hoe’s team. The Red Eagles knocked out former champions Kelantan 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw during regulation and extra time.
QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
SABAH vs KEDAH
POLICE vs JDT
SIME DARBY FC vs PKNS FC
PERAK vs K. LUMPUR
