Tough challenge: Terengganu captain Sony Norde (right) trying to get past two Bali United players during the AFC Cup Group G match at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Unbeaten, but booted out.
Terengganu faced the ignominy of not getting to the next round despite finishing the AFC Cup Group G without a defeat and second with 12 points.
They were pipped by Australian club Central Coast Mariners, who finished top with 13 points and even had one defeat in the group.
Despite finishing second, the Turtles could not advance to the Asean zone semi-final because they are second among the best runners-up in the Asean zone groups.
In their final game, they beat Indonesian club Bali United 2-0 at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Wednesday.
Haitian winger Sony Norde, who was given the captain’s armband for the game, scored the first goal in the 38th minute while Uzbekistani centreback Sardor Kulmatov scored the second in the 89th minute.
Norde admitted that he was upset that the club’s campaign ended just like that.
“I am very sad because we did well and stayed unbeaten but we didn’t qualify. Against Bali, we are happy with what we have done, winning in front of the fans but disappointment is still there.”
As for his future with the club, the 34-year-old said he will discuss with the management soon.
“We have one more game. My contract ends on Dec 31. I will meet the management and see what will happen next.
“I do not know what is my status. I want to stay but it depends on the team. We will know soon.”
Terengganu coach Tomislav Steinbruckner was apologetic about the team’s outing in the AFC Cup.
“I’m sorry we are not in the next round but that’s football.
“My boys deserve applause for their outing. We got three wins and three draws. Unfortunately, we are second and can’t get through to the next round.
“After the Malaysia Cup final defeat against JDT, they gave me a reason to be happy. We had a lot of chances and played with a lot of courage and character.
“I am satisfied, said Steinbruckner, who is also discussing a deal to renew his stay with Terengganu.
“We’ve had discussions, I hope everything will be okay and I will stay here.”
