ISKANDAR PUTERI – Terengganu FC (TFC) may have pulled off an amazing win over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim last night but coach Nafuzi Zain was not about to indulge in any chest-thumping.
He said TFC were lucky to score the 1-0 victory, which ended JDT’s nine-match unbeaten streak, because JDT were playing without two key defenders.
“Initially, we were worried because David Da Silva had not recovered from his injury and was not 100 per cent fit, but the absence of JDT defenders Mauricio Nascimento and S. Kunanlan gave us a slight edge in mounting attacks.
“I understand it was not an easy victory but we are grateful for walking away with three points to remain in second spot in the league,” he told a press conference after the Super League match.
Midfielder Mohamad Hakimi Abdullah, 21, emerged as the hero of the Turtles after scoring the winning goal in the 57th minute.
JDT chief coach Benjamin Mora admitted he was disappointed by the result as his team failed to convert many scoring opportunities.
However, he said JDT could still take pride in their excellent run in the league, as no one could possibly match the record.
“We had not lost a match for almost two years. It is very sad, and I am very sorry not just to the management but to the fans as well. But this is football.
“There is always a possibility of winning, losing or drawing. Yes, we don’t like the result but don’t worry, we will get the winning momentum back,” he said.
TFC last beat JDT during their Malaysia Cup campaign in October 2018.
