KUALA NERUS – Terengganu FC (TFC) head coach Nafuzi Zain is mighty glad that the Turtles’ mission to advance to the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup this season has been achieved.
He praised his charges for going all out despite the rain and the waterlogged pitch in last night’s ‘battle’ against Sri Pahang FC.
The Kelantan-born coach also expressed his appreciation to the more than 17,000 home fans who were willing to come to the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (SSMZA) here despite the rain to support the team.
“Playing in the rain requires more energy. What’s more, we played with 10 men from early in the first half after Shahrul Nizam (Shahrul Nizam Ros Hasni) was shown the red card.
“But every player in the team showed extraordinary spirit and played hard to win, I am indebted and proud of them,” he told the post-match press conference after their return leg match against the Elephants.
TFC advanced to the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup in style after defeating Datuk Dollah Salleh’s squad with a big aggregate of 9-3. They won 5-1 in the first leg at the Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan last Thursday and 4-2 at home last night.
The East Coast giants will meet 2021 Malaysia Cup champions, Kuala Lumpur City (KL City) FC, on Nov 6 to grab a slot in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Dollah said the obvious weakness of the Sri Pahang’s defence line up was the main reason for their defeat.
He said the weakness was exacerbated by the waterlogged pitch which made it difficult for his men to find their rhythm in the first half.
“Although the players managed to bounce back by scoring twice in the second half, it was too late to stop TFC’s progress.
“Anyway I have to admit that TFC were more organised than Sri Pahang, and they should be given credit,” he said. – Bernama
