Terengganu thankful for break ahead of return leg match

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti is glad to have a two-week international break to regroup for the return leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final second leg match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

The Turtles won the first leg 1-0 thanks to substitute Abdul Malik Mat Ariff ’s 78th minute winner at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium on Saturday.

Super League champions JDT controlled the match with superior ball possession in the first half but Irfan’s tactical changes in the second half delivered the slight advantage ahead of the return leg at the Larkin Stadium on Sept 20.

“We changed our style of play in the second half as we needed goals... we took risks and was rewarded with a goal. However, the tie is far from over as we still have the return leg to play,” said Irfan.

“I have given the players two days break and then we will resume our training for the second leg. There was a complaint from our fans that our players was not picked for the national team but I think it turned out well for us.”

“We have players who are good enough to play for the national team but I think having them around to plan for the second leg will be good for us.”

Despite their lead, Irfan admitted the second leg in Larkin will be tougher and his team need to plan well for the match. But he added that his players are motivated to end the season by winning the Malaysia Cup.

“JDT are a good team with top local and foreign players. On top of that we are playing in front of their fans in Larkin so it will be a tougher match for us,” said the 67-year-old.

“Having the team train longer will be good for us ahead of the match. We can’t go into the match to defend our 1-0 lead.”