SABAH NEED TO REDOUBLE EFFORTS
Coach Jelius wary of Perak’s strength in all departments
PREMIER League side Sabah will have to double up their efforts if they hope to overcome Perak in today’s Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg clash at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh.
Sabah coach Jelius Ating said his team need to be cautious as Perak have the ammunition to win big in the first leg.
“Perak are a strong team with great players in all departments. They showed their prowess by finishing second in the Super League.
“We cannot allow them space and also we need to redouble our efforts to stop them from winning.
“My players are eager and confident after having defeated several top-tier teams in the Malaysia Cup.
“As long my team play to instructions and give their 100 per cent commitment, I believe we can cause another upset,” said the coach, who helped Sabah finish sixth in the Premier League.
Jelius added that his team are prepared and are free from injuries.
“The only player unavailable is defender Randy Baruh who will be serving a suspension following a red card in the quarter-final return leg match against Kelantan.
“It is an important match and if we can deny Perak tomorrow then we will have a chance to beat them in Kota Kinabalu in the return leg,” said Jelius, adding that he will maintain the same players who played in the quarter-finals.
The 47-year old coach indicated that Dendy Lowa will replace Baruh in defence today.
Others who are expected to play are Rozaimie Rohim, captain Rawilson Batuil, Francis Kasonde, Alto Linus, Sabri Sahar, Azzizan Nordin, Maxsius Musa, Hamran Peter, Rodoljub Paunovic and Hector Omar Ramos.
Meanwhile, Terengganu defeated JDT 1-0 in yesterday’s Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg match at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium.