Negeri Sembilan coach Mohd Asri Ninggal believes the title is far from decided despite their drab 2-2 draw against Police in their Premier League campaign last week.
In a three-horse race for the title and also promotion to the top-tier Super League in 2018, the Jangs are currently third in the 12-team standings with 38 points after 19 matches – three points behind leaders Kuala Lumpur and second-placed Terengganu.
“With three more games remaining, I believe anything can happen. We will continue to fight to win all three of our remaining matches and hope that the laders will falter,” said Asri.
“In football, I believe anything can happen as long as we keep trying. And of course, we would need a bit of luck too.”
Despite the hiccups of drawing two matches in a row – Terengganu (2-2) and Police (2-2) -coach Asri also hailed his fighters for their undying fighting spirit.
According to Asri, key players Bruno Suzuki of Japan and French striker Jonathan Behe have been listed in the crock list.
“During our match against Police, we had fielded only one foreigner and Bruno was not 100% fit at that time as he was still nursing an injury but he was very determined to help the team.
“Bruno was only 60% fit but he did well to score for the team against Police while Behe was ruled out with a hamstring injury. So in terms of our strike force, it is not so good.
“Our skipper Nasriq Baharom is currently serving a two-match suspension but I believe with the 29 players in the squad, the backline will overcome the hiccup and still put a challenge for PKNP.”
With the Premier League on hold for a month to make way for the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Asri was a relieved man as the team has the opportunity to recover from injuries and fatigue after a tight schedule.
“With a five week break, I believe the team will recover,” added Asri. – BY ALVIN OH
