MIFA believe they can leave mighty JDT miffed again

PETALING JAYA: The odds are stacked heavily against MISC-MIFA when they take on Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their final Group C match in the Malaysia Cup at the Shah Alam Stadium tonight.

They are without their talismanic Liberian striker Kpah Sherman and Brazilian defender Elizeu Melo as both stalwarts are suspended.

MISC-MIFA are the surprise Group C leaders but the race for quarter-final spots is still wide open. They are ahead of second-placed Kedah due to a superior goal difference with both teams on eight points from five matches.

Super League champions JDT are third with six points while Kelantan are last with five points – leaving every team with a chance to still qualify for the last eight.

MISC-MIFA coach K. Devan is hoping for another upset against the mighty JDT after his men stunned the Southern Tigers 2-1 at the Larkin Stadium on Aug 5.

“We are weakened without our two imports against a full-strength JDT but I believe there’s still a chance for us to get a positive result,” said Devan.

“We can get something from this match if we execute our game plan well. The boys are in buoyant mood because we’ve beaten JDT before and they also want to prove that they can play good football against top teams.

“This game is the decider. I’ve reminded the players that hard work and team work will deliver positive results.”

Devan added he has also chal- lenged his local players to step up in the absence of import players.

“I’ve told the local players to show their capabilities. There’s a perception that the team have come this far because of the import players but I believe our strength is our teamwork,” said Devan.

“Defensive discipline will be the key in this game. The team did well against JDT before by scoring two goals from counter-attacks. If we approach the game with the same attitude and hunger, we can create another upset.”