Perak out to end poor record against bogey team PKNS

want to end their losing streak against PKNS when they take on the Red Ants in the quarter-final first leg of the Malaysia Cup in Ipoh today.

For the record, PKNS, coached by K. Rajagobal, are undefeated against Perak this season with three wins and a draw.

To add salt to Perak’s wound, PKNS denied Mehmet Durakovic’s side the chance of finishing second in the Super League when they thrashed them 4-1 at the Shah Alam Stadium in July.

Rajagobal’s side were also responsible for showing Perak the exit door in the FA Cup quarterfinals in April.

Durakovic wants to avoid another disappointment and he hopes his side will end their poor record against PKNS this season.

"PKNS are a very strong team, their players have been superb. They've got a team of local players who are very experienced.

"I expect a close fight, but if our team stay discipline, I am confident we can notch our first win over the Red Ants this season," said Durakovic.

The Australian, however, will need to reshuffle his midfield as captain Nasir Basharuddin is injured.

Durakovic hopes to end Perak’s 18-year-old drought in the competition.

“It has been a long time since we last won the competition. The ultimate goal is to end it this season,” Durakovic added.

While Perak are expected to attack for goals, they will also need to be tight at the back as PKNS’s Bruno Matos and Rafael Ramazotti have been excellent in the competition with eight goals between them.

Rajagobal expects a tough fight from Perak.

“We may have not lost to them this year, but it does not mean that we are favourites in this tie.

“I have reminded my charges to play to tactics and also to avoid making mistakes. Of course, the target is to beat them and qualify for the semi-finals,” said Rajagobal.