PETALING JAYA: With every defeat, Kedah grow stronger.
And it is with this mindset that the Canaries led by midfielder Hasbullah Abu Bakar aim to regroup and face football giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) again in the Super League at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today.
They suffered a huge blow against JDT in the recent two-legged FA Cup semi-final when they lost with a 1-5 aggregate.
Hasbullah said the defeat had fuelled renewed fire in them to face their stronger opponents.
“It would be a challenge but if we give our best for the team, I am sure we can compete against JDT,” said the 29-year-old.
The Southern Tigers are the defending champions.
“As for my performance, I am not fully satisfied yet because this is just the beginning stages of the season. I am learning a lot and I am hopeful of getting a start against JDT.
“I hope my best will lead to something for the team. I hope to grow as a player and do my part to help Kedah do well in the league.”
Kedah will not have the services of captain and winger Sony Norde, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the FA Cup semi-final second-leg last week.
Coach Nafuzi Zain also said that his attack is a little depleted with the absence of Syafiq Ahmad, Sukhrob Nurullaev and Faiz Nasir.
“Syafiq can’t play because he has joined us on-loan from JDT. Sukhrob is also injured and now Faiz is down with fever. Our numbers upfront have reduced,” he said.
“But I am not too concerned because we have other attackers in the team that can do the job.
Those available are Fayyadh Zulkifli, Afeeq Iqmal Rosli, Ebenezer Assifuah and Milos Gordic.
“I know the change in line-up would not impact the way I want to play the game. They know my system and so on but right now, to play a side like JDT, you need confidence.
“If they play with confidence, I am sure the result would come our way.”
