Fight of their lives
Felda United skipper feels they can beat Kedah to qualify for final
PETALING JAYA: Felda United’s hunger for success will drive them to the final.
Skipper Mohamed Shukor Adan believes the Fighters are on course to qualify for their first-ever Malaysia Cup final in 10 years.
The former international said the players are in high spirits for the return leg of the semi-finals against defending champions Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar tomorrow.
Kedah have an away goal advantage after the first leg ended 1-1 at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka on Sunday.
“The away goal is no big deal. We have beaten Kedah 3-1 (Super League) in Alor Setar last month. They can bring on their fans again. We will be ready for them.
“All I can say is that having an away goal does not guarantee them a place in the final. There’s still 90 minutes to play.
“But take nothing away from this Kedah team. They are one of the most consistent sides in the competition. They have been in three major finals in the last three seasons (since 2015), including winning the FA Cup this year.
“But we are more determined to get into the final. We have nothing much to show except for the Premier League title in 2010.
“The club have not won a major title, too. We qualified for the FA Cup final once (2014) but lost to Pahang (2-1).
“At least 80% of the players have never played in a Cup final. The stakes are high and there is no way the players are going to let this opportunity go to waste,” said the seasoned campaigner, who last won the Malaysia Cup with Negri Sembilan in 2011.
Kedah are looking at their third consecutive Malaysia Cup final but coach Mohd Nidzam Adzha will not be able to field two of his key players – Kosovan midfielder Liridon Krasniqi and skipper-cum centreback Khairul Helmi Johari – who are out on suspension.
The Red Eagles will also be walking on thin ice with four players facing suspension.
If midfielder Sandro Mendonca, Danish striker Ken Ilso, Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik and defender Rizal Ghazali pick up another card tomorrow they will be out of the final.