Longhi: Don’t take injury-hit Elephants for granted

PETALING JAYA: Raul

Longhi (pic) has warned his Johor Darul Ta'zim

(JDT) side to take nothing for granted when they entertain injury- hit

Pahang in the return leg of the FA Cup quarter-finals at Larkin Stadium today.

Pahang have been rocked with the loss of a string of key players including Safuwan Baharudin, Matthew Davies and Francis Doe. There are also doubts on whether striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha is fit to play.

With the first leg ending with a 0-0 stalemate, the tie looks to be in JDT’s favour as they will also have home ground advantage to bank on.

But Longhi insists his team are paying no attention to the Elephants’ injury woes.

“We cannot underestimate them,” said Longhi.

“I always remind my players that we need to attack to score as many goals, but at the same time we need to contain Pahang because they have fast and dangerous attacking players.”

JDT are in buoyant mood after strolling to a 3-0 Super League victory against PKNS at home last Saturday to extend their lead to four points.

But Longhi warned that Pahang, seen as JDT arch-rivals in recent years, pose a different threat.

“We know that the match against Pahang will be different from the match against PKNS, so we have done the best preparations possible to face them," said Longhi.

“We will try our best to win and I am very confident with my players who displayed great performances and attitude against PKNS recently.”

The other last eight clash today sees Premier League leaders Felda United taking on PKNP.

Felda are holding a significant one away goal advantage following their 1-0 win at Penang State Stadium on April 7.