Important man: Tchetche Kipre (centre) started in three Malaysia Cup games and scored three goals, which makes him a key marksman for Kuala Lumpur. — KL City FC
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur will not have the service of their captain Paulo Josue for the first leg semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup but they are not fretting.
In fact striker Tchetche Kipre believes his other teammates have what it takes to make up for the absence of the talismanic Josue when they play against Terengganu at the Cheras Football Stadium tomorrow.
Josue has run into misfortunes.
First, he was down with dengue and had to skip the recent national team camp in preparation for the recently concluded Merdeka Tournament.
He has since returned for full training but will miss the Malaysia Cup action as the naturalised player has been suspended from the game after collecting two yellow cards in the competition.
Kipre said the team would miss his set-piece deliveries and timely passes from the midfield, but would now count on Colombian playmaker Romel Morales, midfielder Zhafri Yahya and winger T. Saravanan to add bite in the attack.
“First, I am glad Josue has recovered from dengue. We will miss him fir this game, for sure. But we know other players are capable of doing something for the club,” said the 35-year-old.
“We have prepared well for the game against Terengganu. The boys are in good condition, and the mood is brilliant as well.”
Terengganu have been in good form in recent months in the Super League, AFC Cup and Malaysia Cup. They have been unbeaten for 12 games from July 3 to Sept 28.
They lost to Selangor 0-4 in the Super League on Sept 29 and then were held 1-1 by Bali United in the AFC Cup on Oct 4, but Terengganu remain a tough opposition.
The Turtles will be depending on Ivan Mamut, who has scored five goals in just three games in the Malaysia Cup.
Their defence led by Shahrul Nizam Ros Hani has also looked good in the competition.
The Turtles will surely pose a challenge for Kipre and Co but the Ivorian is determined to help his team qualify for the final.
“There is no pressure for my team and I. We will just follow the instructions of our coach (Nenad Bacina) and get things done.”
Kipre has made 13 starts out of his 21 Super League games, scoring seven goals and making three assists.
But in the Malaysia Cup, he started in three and scored three goals, which makes him a key marksman in the team.
“Not being able to start often is a bit tough but it is the coach’s decision and I respect it. When given the chance, I will do my job and give my best.”
Kipre has played for Terengganu in two separate stints, the first from 2017 to 2019 and the second in 2022.
He also has the experience of playing in the Malaysia Cup final when he helped Terengganu go all the way in 2018 before losing 1-4 in a penalty shootout to Perak after holding each other out 3-3.
That is all in the past as he promises to deliver for KL.
“I do not even want to remember it. It is the past. I am just thinking about how to help KL to reach another final.”
