Melaka must win to stay in the hunt for a place in the quarter-finals

PETALING JAYA: It’s make or break for Melaka against Police in today’s Malaysia Cup clash at Hang Jebat Stadium.

Melaka assistant coach Ridzuan Abu Shah said they have to secure a win over Police to stay in the hunt for a spot in the quarter-finals.

After two matches, the Mousedeer are currently in third position with two points in Group B while Felda United are on top with four points, equal with second-placed PKNS. Police are anchoring the group with no points.

Only the top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals.

Melaka were close to winning full points against PKNS last week when they were leading 3-0 with five minutes remaining.

But the Red Ants fought back to score three goals on the trot, two of them the result of deflections in the last five minutes, to share the points.

Ridzuan now wants his players to collect maximum points by hook or by crook against Police.

“The players, coaches and fans know we should have won against PKNS because we were leading 3-0 and we didn’t expect them to come back the way they did,” said Ridzuan.

“It is very important we beat Police because it will decide whether we stay in the hunt for a place in the quarter-finals.”

Ridzuan said it would be a folly to take Police lightly as they are bent on putting up a fight after having lost their opening two matches.

“Even though they (Police) have suffered losses, we cannot look down on them. They won’t give up fighting for a place in the quarter-finals so easily.”

“They have good players who can put up a fight if we are not careful.”

And what does Ridzuan thinks will be the key to their success?

“We must be patient and keep a compact defence. We cannot go rushing out to get the ball and leave ourselves exposed at the back.

“If we patiently follow our game plan, the goals will come,” he added.