It’s virtually over
Kelantan have almost no hope of qualifying for quarter-finals
PETALING JAYA: Kelantan’s Malaysia Cup campaign is as good as over.
The Red Warriors have only a mathematical chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals in Group C with six points from five matches.
Kedah, who have 12 points, have an unassailable lead while second-placed Melaka, on nine points, need only a draw against UiTM to clinch their ticket to the last eight.
Kelantan coach Zahasmi Ismail’s men need a big win against Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Saturday to keep their slim hopes alive.
But the former international’s task has been made even harder as he won’t have both his strikers – Abou Bakr Al-Mel of Lebanon and Morgaro Gomis of Senegal – for the crucial tie.
To make matters worse, some of his regulars, including skipper Mohd Badri Radzi and goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, are still recovering from injuries.
“Abou Bakr is back home for national duty while Gomis has taken leave to attend to some personal matters. It appears that we won’t have much firepower up front without the full team.
“I have roped in a few players from the President’s Cup squad but the quality is not the same. If we fail to qualify for the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, then we’ll have to go all out in the Super League to avoid relegation,” said Zahasmi.
Brazilian striker Alessandro Celin and defender Mamadou Danso are the two foreign players available for the match against Kedah.
Kelantan are ninth in the 12-team Super League standings with 18 points – ahead of 10th-placed Melaka on goal difference. Sarawak are second from bottom with 17 points while basement side Penang are doomed for relegation with just 12 points – and with three more matches to play.