Negeri Sembilan captain Norhafiz Zamani Misbah.
KUALA TERENGGANU: Determined to reverse their fortunes after finishing bottom in the 2013 Super League, Negri Sembilan got their Malaysia Cup campaign off to a flyer – beating Terengganu 2-0 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium on Tuesday.
The Deer were not given much hope of surviving Group C, which also has 2012 treble winners Kelantan and FA Cup semi-finalists Pahang. Yet, they defied the odds against Terengganu.
“We are aware of our underdog status in this group. Many do not expect us to do well, but we are fighting for our pride,” said caretaker coach Ridzuan Abu Shah, who took over the coaching duties from Brazilian Divaldo Alves.
“We won the Malaysia Cup in 2009 and 2011 ... we are no pushovers, despite our dismal performance in the league.”
Ridzuan was all smiles after their impressive win against Terengganu and was full of praise for the commitment shown by his players.
“Captain Norhafiz Zamani Misbah played very well in midfield and led the team by example. We’ve only played one match, so we will continue to stay grounded and take the next five matches one at a time,” he said.
Negri scored a goal in each half through Brazilian striker Fabio Leandro Barbosa and midfielder S. Sivanesan.
Terengganu coach E. Elavarasan, meanwhile, has warned his team to “wake up from your slumber”.
“There are five more matches ... we are not out yet, but the players must wake up,” said Elavarasan.
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