They did it in style, winning their first two Group A away matches and now Terengganu aim continue their winning ways by winning their first home match in the Malaysia Cup – which is against winless Felcra FC at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday.
However, a word of caution from head coach Irfan Bakti after last week’s match against Perak at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh. The Turtles prevailed 4-3 but not before Perak scored thrice in the last 10 minutes of play to cut out Terengganu’s 4-0 lead after 82 minutes.
“The players were simply complacent with the healthy 4-0 lead. I don’t understand why we took the foot off the gas. They (the players) forgot the golden rule of football that no match is won till the last whistle,” said Irfan.
“It was a close call. It was heart-stopping and we could have lost or drawn the match. We were in the driving seat and could have scored another two or three goals. Instead, we were frantically defending to hold on for a win.”
Nevertheless, Irfan and company are looking for full points against Felcra to tighten their grip in Group A and advance to the knockout stage in the Malaysia Cup which Terengganu last won in 2001 and finished runners-up in 2011. Last year Terengganu failed to get past the group stage.
For the match against Felcra, the Turtles will be without their playmaker Lee Tuck was red carded in the Perak match for two bookings. Lee Tuck scored Terengganu’s second goal in Ipoh.
“I will decide on who will replace Lee Tuck in the next day or two,” added Irfan. RIZAL ABDULLAH
