Terengganu not only kept their impressive away record in this year’s Malaysia Cup competition but will take home a two away goal advantage for the return-leg on Sept 28 after snatching a 2-1 win over Felda United in the first-leg quarter-final at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka on Friday.
England-born Lee Tuck tucked home an 81st-minute penalty for the winner after Brazilian Thiago Aquino was hauled up for hands while attempting to stop a J. Partiban attempt inside the box.
The Turtles had taken a dramatic 1-0 on nine minutes through Nasrullah Haniff Johan who scored with the first touch of the ball after replacing centreback Wan Amirzafran Nadris who was stretched out with a knee injury when he landed awkwardly while challenging for the ball.
Nasrullah had a big dose of luck smiling on him when his weak header was misjudged by Felda goalkeeper Farizal Harun who did not attempt to make a save as the ball took a dip inside the left upright and hit the back of the net.
The setback came after Felda was rather unlucky with Daniel Amir Norhisham rocked the bar as early as the fifth minute and five minutes later Zahril Azri Zabri saw his attempt hit the upright and go out of play.
Felda finally got the equalizer in the 55th minute with Gilberto Fortunato whipping in an unstoppable shot from Thiago’s assist as Terengganu’s Lee Tuck stood watching.
Then came the penalty and Terengganu went home smiling – keeping their away record intact plus a two away goal advantage.
“We had a poor first-half and only woke up playing our normal game after the break when I told the players “I don’t want a defeat and be confident on the ball,” said Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti in an interview on television after the match.
“(Kipre) Tchetche did not get the support from the midfield and he was not able to play his normal game.”
Felda head coach B. Satianathan was disappointed with the defeat but praised his players for giving their best against the odds.
“We did not have our top scorers for the match. Still, we had our chances but failed to score and we paid the price,” said Satianathan, adding that there is still another half to be played. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
- Advertisement - 
