PETALING JAYA: Kedah are back in the FA Cup semi-finals after five years, thanks to their solid defence.
The Canaries stayed resolute at the back as they were told and they did just that to hold an aggressive Penang to a 0-0 draw in the second leg quarter-finals in the FA Cup at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar.
It was enough as they beat the Panthers with a 1-0 aggregate to keep their hope alive, having beaten their northern rivals 1-0 in the first leg in Penang last week.
Their defence manned by centrebacks Jose Cleylton dos Santos and Irfan Zakaria were solid as they stayed resilient against the Panthers, who threatened at the goal mouth with numerous chances.
Kedah last qualified for the semi-finals in 2019 after beating Perak 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Coach Nafuzi Zain had praises for his defenders.
“It is a relief, that I must tell you. Having a one-goal lead was quite terrifying. Though we played at home, Penang didn’t give us an easy time. Their pressing and movements caused us problems,” said Nafuzi.
“We did have the ball and created an attacking plan, but I told the defenders, we cannot concede.
“The lead had to be preserved and they did that to perfection. We played well till the end and go to the next stage.”
Kedah will take on Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the two-legged semi-finals and Nafuzi can’t wait to take them on.
“It will be an intriguing encounter. Everyone wants to take on a good team and even the boys can’t wait because they want to give their all and show their capabilities,” said Nafuzi.
“I am looking forward to the game.”
The first leg will be held at the Darulaman Stadium on July 20 and the second will be at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Aug 3.
Meanwhile, Penang coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli said they did not have a strong finish as they lacked aggression in the attacking front.
So in the upcoming transfer window in August, Penang are expected to add another striker.
