PETALING JAYA: Terengganu will rely on local strikers Safawi Rasid, Akhyar Rashid and Syahmi Zamri to tear down the Shan United fortress in the Asean Club Championship, also known as Shopee Cup, clash in Yangon today.
The Turtles are still looking for their first win at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon after one draw and one defeat in the Asean Club Championship.
Terengganu head coach Badrul Afzan Razali is pinning his hopes on the local trio to hunt for goals after the side were unable to field their import strikers due to different problems.
“Our El Salvadore player Nelson Bonilla, Croatian Ivan Mamut and Nigerian Ismaheel Akinade are unavailable for various reasons,” said Badrul. “Bonilla could not be registered for the Shopee Cup as he joined during the second transfer window while Mamut has just recovered from an injury and is only expected to arrive in Terengganu on Jan 10.
“As for Ismahil, he had to be left out due to Myanmar’s regulations prohibiting African players from entering the country.
“I admit that the team will face a tough challenge to score goals without the services of import strikers, especially playing away from home.
“But the ability of Safawi, Akhyar and Syahmi cannot be disputed because they are also experienced in performing at the highest stage,” said Badrul.
As for the goalkeeper position, Badrul is likely to choose between Mohd Rahadiazli Rahalim or Syed Mohd Nasrulhaq Syed Bidin to handle the job.
“Even though we are facing some problems, we still aim to win three points to brighten our chances to reach the semi-finals of the competition.”
Terengganu are second from bottom in Group A with one point.
PSM Makassar from Indonesia are the joint leaders in the six-team Group A with Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa and Thailand’s BG Pathum United on four points.
