Blow to Perak
Injuries may derail hopes of downing JDT
IPOH: Under-strength Perak have their backs against the wall.
The silver state will miss the services of two key foreign players – Palestine striker Yashir Pinto and midfield strongman Leandro Santos of Brazil – when they face Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-finals at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh today.
But Perak coach Mehmet Durakovic is undeterred, saying “we have nothing to lose against the strongest team in the country”.
“I know it’s a huge game for us, but we can’t help it that Pinto and Santos are injured. Pinto has returned home to treat his Achilles tendon injury while Santos hurt his ankle last week and is expected to be out for some time.
“We will still give it a go with the younger players. This is their big game in front of the home fans. But we have to be realistic. JDT are a in a different class and it will be difficult to play them without our two foreigners.
“We know all about Malaysian football and the roles of these imports in the team. They win you games and most of these imports also score the goals.
“So, to miss two import players for a crucial game will be tough.
“On a positive note, this is the best chance for the new players to stamp their mark. We have not been in the final for the last 10 years. I’m sure the boys are all fired up and won’t let this opportunity slip away,” said Mehmet.
The other foreign players in the Perak team are Brazilian defender Thiago Junior and striker Gilmar Filho.
Thiago admitted that the absence of Pinto and Santos would be sorely felt but vowed they won’t let their fans down.
“I have been here three seasons and have seen this team grown in strength. It will be tough as JDT have a strong set of players in Mohamed Ghaddar and Gabriel Guerra in attack but we will give them a run for their money,” said Thiago.