KUALA LUMPUR: Kuching City goalkeeper Shahril Sa’ari (pic) wants to redeem himself by keeping a clean sheet to deny Selangor’s comeback bid in the return leg of the FA Cup quarter-final stage tomorrow.
Kuching City are on the brink of achieving a major upset if they can shut out five-time FA Cup champions Selangor at Petaling Jaya Stadium and step into the semi-finals for the first time.
Shahril admitted his role in front of the goal is very important especially as they would be up against wounded Selangor in the second-leg FA Cup quarter-final.
The 2023 Super League runners-up Selangor stumbled to a 1-2 defeat by Kuching City in the first leg quarter-final clash last week.
Selangor took the lead through Roni Fernandez 15 minutes into the match but James Okwuosa and Jordan Mintah later struck back to cap a wonderful night for Kuching City.
Shahril admitted that Selangor’s early lead was due to his mistake and he is determined to avoid making the same blunder.
“I was not careful and was punished by the Selangor player. I need to be more alert in ensuring that we do not concede any more goals,” said the 34-year-old goalkeeper.
Shahril described the second quarter-final clash as more difficult considering the fighting spirit of Nidzam Jamil’s men playing on their home turf.
“Selangor coach will surely want to rally the players to rise again in front of their supporters,” he said.
“This is why it is so important for myself and also the whole team not to make simple mistakes, especially at critical times and open up the chance for the opponent to score goals.
“We know that Selangor are very strong especially playing at home and this will not be an easy match for us. They have a very dangerous attacking line.
“If they see a little space from us, they will take the opportunity and this why the team should be more cautious throughout the match,” he said.
