Shields up, Warriors as Rhinos come charging in their den

PETALING JAYA:

Kelantan are aware that a single costly mistake is all it takes for them to be sent crashing out of the Malaysia Cup.

The Red Warriors are 2-1 up after the first leg of the quarter-final against Sabah but their Cup campaign can be brought to a quick end if Sabah win by a solitary goal.

And their challenge is made all the more difficult as they have to contain the Rhinos in their own den at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu tonight.

Kelantan head coach Yusri Che Lah wants his players to do all they can to keep a clean sheet.

“We had a good quarter-final result, but they have an away goal – so we cannot afford to concede any goals. All Sabah need is one goal to qualify and because of that, I have to make sure the players understand this situation and not take it easy.

“And the Likas Stadium is not an easy stadium to go to and defeat Sabah,” said Che Lah.

He said his players have to watch out for the Rhinos’ forwards who will be the target men for the long balls from the defenders.

The East Malaysian side have their Puerto Rican forward Hector Ramos, who will be a handful in high-ball situations as he stands 1.91m (6’3”).

“They (Sabah) can play from the defence with long balls and try to get their goals from there, so we must not allow that.”

“They have strikers who are good target men and I hope our back four will prevent them fromtaking their chances. And they have physically strong players who can play a robust game.”

Despite having the upper hand in the second leg, Che Lah warns his men not to take their feet off the pedal.

“We’re well prepared for the game today, so we hope to stay consistent and make sure we return with a semi-final spot.”