An anxious test for Kedah
KEDAH face a true test of their Malaysia Cup title credentials when they host Felda United in the second leg of the semi-finals in Alor Star tomorrow.
A 0-0 draw would be enough to send the defending champions into the final for a third successive year but with Felda needing to score to get through, it is unlikely the match will end without a goal being scored.
Mindful that Felda left the Darulaman Stadium with a 3-1 win in a Super League match last month, Kedah coach Nidzam Adzha Yusoff will be wary of employing a conservative strategy.
Five-time Malaysia Cup champions Kedah are also walking a tightrope with four players a booking away from missing the final while midfielder Liridon Krasniqi and defender Khairul Helmi Johari will sit out the second leg through suspension.
Syawal Nordin and Akram Mahinan are expected to fill in for Khairul and Krasniqi respectively, which may give Felda some hope of repeating last month’s win in Alor Star.
Felda captain Shukor Adan, however, said it would be dangerous to underestimate Kedah just because they are missing two key players.
“I don’t think it makes a difference to them whether they have players missing or not,” said Shukor, who is looking to play in his eighth Malaysia Cup final.
“They have a strong and deep squad so I’m sure they have capable replacements. It’s not an advantage to us even though we know Liridon is a good player who makes things happen for Kedah.”
The last time Felda reached this stage they were knocked out by Kedah 4-3 on aggregate after going down 2-1 in the second leg in Alor Star.
Felda, who are third in the Super League and one spot ahead of Kedah, need to ensure history does not repeat itself to advance to the final for the first time.
Coach B. Sathianathan has all his players available to him including striker Thiago Augusto Fernandes, who was hospitalised with dehydration after the first leg in Jengka. Devinder Singh