Fighters will take the fight to JDT as title race heats up

PETALING JAYA: Felda United coach Irfan Bakti has told his players to keep their eyes on the prize as the Super League title race heats up.

The battle for the title is now a twohorse race between defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Felda with eight more matches remaining. The Southern Tigers top the 12-team table with 36 points while the Fighters are just two points behind.

Felda kept the heat on JDT after a 2-1 win over Police at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday. Midfielder Lutfulla Turaev (35th minute) and Liberian striker Francis Doe (61st) netted for Felda while Malian centreback Souleymane Konate scored Police’s consolation in the 75th minute.

“We want to give JDT a fight all the way to the last match. Our players are in confident mood because we are just two points behind JDT,” said Irfan yesterday.

“For two months we topped the table but we dropped points and JDT overtook us just before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break. JDT are on top now but I think they are under pressure to retain the title.

“JDT have better players but my players are doing well too. We have scored 32 goals and conceded 13 while JDT have 36 goals and conceded nine. That’s why I believe we can give them a fight for the title.”

Felda will next take on 34-time Malaysia Cup winners Selangor at the Shah Alam Stadium tomorrow, while JDT will host resurgent Kelantan at the Larkin Stadium.

Irfan is not worried about meeting Selangor who dropped out of the title race after being held to a 1-1 draw by Penang on Saturday.

The out-of-sorts Red Giants are third in the standings with 26 points.

“Playing Selangor is not a problem ... we can overcome them.

“My biggest worry is the hectic schedule.

“The players are tired physically and mentally after playing every three days,” said the 65-year-old coach.

“My coaching team are working hard on keeping them fresh for every match. Our decision to rotate the players is working well so far,” said Irfan.