KEDAH’S IFWAT READY TO THWART JDT IN CUP FINAL

Kedah custodian Ifwat hoping for another Shah Alam joy

PETALING JAYA: Kedah goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim (pic) is banking on the familiarity of the Shah Alam Stadium to make a difference when they take on Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final at the venue on Saturday.

The Red Eagles have turned the Shah Alam Stadium into a happy hunting ground, having clinched two victories in their last three Cup final appearances, which saw Ifwat emerging as one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in the country.

The Alor Setar local had a perfect debut when he helped Kedah win the Malaysia Cup last year. He pulled off two saves to help Kedah edge Selangor 6-5 in the penalty shootout when both teams were tied 1-1 after extra time.

This season, Ifwat again played a key role in helping the Red Eagles clinch the FA Cup with a 3-2 win over Pahang on May 20.

“This is my second Malaysia Cup final and I think I have grown by leaps and bound since making my debut in last year’s Malaysia Cup final,” said the 21-year-old, who has gone on to be included in the national senior team and the Under-23 squad this year.

“I believe that my performance at the Shah Alam Stadium has opened the opportunity for me to get the call-up to the senior team and the Under-23 side. I learned a lot from my stints with the national teams and I believe I’m a better goalkeeper now.

“I’m ready to face anything in the final. We know what to expect and I believe we can retain our title based on our team work and our fan support.”

Ifwat said that the Kedah players were in cautious mode in training to avoid picking up injuries before the final.

“This is the last match of the season. I hope all the players will be injury-free because we want to retain the Malaysia Cup,” said Ifwat.

“We need to be careful in training with the final just a couple of days away. We need our full squad to give JDT a fight in the final.”