SABAH FC will be taking on a resurgent Perak FC in the Malaysia Cup first leg quarter-final match at Likas Stadium tonight (Friday).
The boys should be ready for the game as they had more than two weeks of good rest during the international break.
They also had a successful friendly match with the Brunei national team last week which they comfortably won 3-1 without several first team players.
I am sure head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee had worked on the team’s weaknesses, especially the defensive line.
It is important to get all the players fit and focused for this game because we need to win convincingly to gain the upper hand before the return leg in Ipoh.
Although Perak were well beaten by us 3-1 in the league here at Likas Stadium back in May, we must take note that they are no longer a pushover following the departure of former coach Lim Tiong Kim.
They have brought in Yusri Che Lah as the interim coach and under him with the addition of a few new players, they have improved their overall performance with some impressive results.
I anticipate a very competitive quarter-final cup match. I am very certain that Perak FC with their new-found confidence will come here fully focused and ready for a fight.
We have to be wary of their underdog tag but I believe Sabah FC are a better side and I would expect the players to take full advantage of playing at home, and with the support of the fans to register a convincing win.
As always, we must be well focused and need to maintain discipline in all departments and at the same time, an early goal will be a plus to calm the nerves of the team.
It is unfortunate that Darren Lok, Stuart Wilkin, Daniel Ting and Dominic Tan will be rested for the match but that has opened the door for those who will be called up to prove their worth.
I hope they will work extra hard to keep a clean sheet and secure a big victory tonight before heading to Ipoh for the second leg on September 25.
A good win is also important to boost the team’s confidence for the next home game against Hougang United from Singapore in our AFC Cup debut on September 21.
Good luck to Sabah FC tonight.
