TERENGGANU HALF WAY TO FINAL

After home win against JDT, coach Irfan is upbeat for semi-final return leg encounter

IRFAN Bakti is 90 minutes away from guiding Terengganu to the Malaysia Cup final for the second time in his career with the club following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the semifinal first leg match at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium.

In 2011, Irfan helped Terengganu reach the final only to lose 21 to Negri Sembilan at the Shah Alam Stadium.

In Saturday’s match dominated by JDT in the first half, Terengganu netted their only goal through striker Abdul Malik bin Mat Ariff in the 78th minute.

The return leg at Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru on Oct 20 is expected to be a fiery affair with JDT being the favourites.

“We achieved our target of winning this match. Of course, it would have been better had we scored more goals, but a 1-0 win is still a good result,” said a delighted Irfan yesterday.

“JDT are very strong at home and with the superstars they have, it is going to be very tough at Larkin.

“We have a long break to prepare for the return leg and I will use it to come up with effective strategies for the match. JDT are a balanced side and we need to avoid making mistakes.

“Football is a weird game and although, we only have a slim lead, there is still a chance of reaching the final even though JDT are strong at home.

“The key is to play without fear and to be compact in all departments in the return leg.”

Irfan was unhappy with his midfield on Saturday as he felt they did not play up to his expectations.

Englishman Lee Tuck and Combodian Thierry Chantha Bin were ineffective in the first half but the coach overcame the problem by bringing on Faiz Nasir to tighten up their game.

“We need to work on our midfield. I will test several combinations in training before deciding on the line-up,” Irfan added.

JDT coach Luciano Figueroa is confident his team can overturn the result and reach the final.

“We need to forget about this defeat and focus on rectifying our mistakes from that game. No team like to lose, but this is normal in football.

“I am confident my boys will do their best at Larkin and secure a win,” said the former Argentina international.

Meanwhile, Perak defeated Sabah 5-0 in a Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg match at Perak Stadium yesterday.