Not over the moon
Baddrol brings Red Eagles down to earth after comfy win
PETALING JAYA: Kedah skipper Baddrol Bakthiar says it ain’t over till it’s over.
The Red Eagles secured a healthy advantage when they swooped on 10-men PKNS to win 3-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final first-leg tie at the Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday.
The visitors opened accounts through Fernando Rodriguez in the 12th minute before Jonathan Bauman helped himself to a brace (26th, 45th).
PKNS, who saw Tamirlan Kozubaev sent off in the 33rd minute, reduced the deficit through Gabriel Guerra in the 66th minute.
Baddrol, who lifted the Cup in 2017, said they have another 90 minutes to play and anything can happen in a Cup tie.
The return leg will be played at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on May 10.
“Although we have a two-goal advantage, we will not take it easy. We have come this far and we don’t want to blow it.
“We’ll try to defend our lead and hopefully add a goal or two,” said the 31-year-old.
“Credit should be given to PKNS, with a man down they still played well. They will come back stronger in Alor Setar and we have to be prepared.”
Kazubaev was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Farhan Roslan.
PKNS coach Datuk K. Rajagopal said the sending off affected his game plan but he is pleased with the team’s effort.
“I think the red card was a bit harsh. Tamirlan had no ill intentions,” said Rajagopal.
“We were trailing by two goals then but I was confident we can bounce back if not for the card. We dominated after the breather and got a goal.
“I’m happy with our second-half performance.
“We need to believe that we can go to the Darulaman Stadium and create an upset. The game is still not over.
“We have to keep up the pressure and score early, make them feel the heat. We must show the same fighting spirit there.”