Irfan tells players not to feel threatened by Kedah

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti warned his players not to be intimidated by Kedah in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The former international said his Premier League side should discard their inferiority complex when they take on the Super League outfit in the first leg at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on April 29.

The return leg will be at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on May 13.

“The players should not be afraid and show them too much respect,” said Irfan after the east coast side booked their berth after a 4-1 shoot-out win over Sarawak on Friday.

The match ended 2-2 on aggregate in regulation time at the State Stadium in Kuching.

Irfan said that his players showed great determination to bounce back from the embarrassing 4-1 defeat to UiTM in their Premier League match on April 14.

“I’m happy with the players’ fighting spirit. I blasted them for the defeat against UiTM and told them to bounce back and win this match (against Sarawak),” said Irfan yesterday.

“Kedah are a strong team but we will give them a run for their money as we want to play in the final.

“Our target this season is still the same and that is to win promotion to the Super League. For me the FA Cup is a bonus.”

Irfan said his team should have wrapped the game early in the first-half against Sarawak.

The Turtles took the lead in the ninth minute through winger Issey Nakajima but the Crocs’ defender Demerson Costa equalised in the 79th minute to tie the match 2-2 on aggregate and forced extra-time.

Terengganu were then reduced to 10 men after midfielder Abdul Latiff Suhaimi picked up his second booking in the 120th minute for a reckless challenge.

“We should have won the game in the first-half itself but (Lutfulla) Turaev, who was playing with a leg injury, wasted a good chance and we let the match go until the penalty shootout,” fumed Irfan

“Nevertheless, it’s a good result but we should stop making it hard for ourselves.”