Will slow and steady win the race for Turtles in JDT’s den?

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu are bracing for a fiery reception from defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) when both sides lock horns in their second-leg Malaysia Cup semi-final match at the Larkin Stadium today.

The East Coast side’s head coach Irfan Bakti is aware of the threat from JDT after defeating them 1-0 in the first leg at the Sultan Ismail Stadium two weeks ago.

The Turtles won it thanks to a solitary goal by substitute Abdul Malik Mat Ariff in the 78th minute.

Super League champions JDT controlled the match with superior ball possession in the first half but it was Irfan’s tactical changes in the second half that gave Terengganu a slight advantage.

And with JDT eager to defend their title and having to deliver on their home turf, Irfan realises the monumental task ahead.

“They will be coming out strong to try and score, so we must contain them in all departments.

“They play good football, because of all their national players and good imports, so we can’t give them much room to work with,” said Irfan.

However, he also believes that the pressure will be on JDT who are the defending champions and also playing at home. With a fully fit squad after a two-week international break, the Turtles are ready to go out and seal their place in the final.

“Even though it is only a one-goal lead, it’s still good because the pressure is on them. We definitely don’t want them to score but we also want to go out and get the very important away goals. We want to see how the situation goes today and make our move.”