Mismatch: Terengganu players try to mark Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman Hanapi but it was to no avail as they lost 4-0 in their Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg match on Friday. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Group A match between Terengganu and PSM Makassar in today’s ASEAN Club Championship can be likened to a David versus Goliath battle.
Terengganu, who are hoping for a miracle to reach the semi-finals, must defeat the Indonesian club to keep their chances alive.
However, this will be a tough challenge for Terengganu’s coach Badrul Afzan Razali and his players as PSM Makassar remain unbeaten in the tournament and currently lead Group A with seven points.
In contrast, after three matches, Terengganu have only managed to collect four points, placing them fourth in the standings, behind Thanh Hoa and BG Pathum United, who are tied on five points.
“So far, the players are ready to play, and no one is injured except for Ivan Mamut, who is still in the rehabilitation process.
“Of course, our mission tomorrow (today) is to secure three points. No matter what happens, we must achieve victory if we want to reach the semi-finals.
“In terms of changes, compared to the match against JDT (Johor Darul Ta’zim) in the Malaysia Cup the other day, I will reintroduce Safawi Rasid and Azam Azmi.
“However, for tomorrow’s (today’s) match, it is not just about these two players but the entire team must unite to secure the victory,” said Badrul.
As such, he urges his players to capitalise on the home advantage at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak to try to score an early goal.
“Of course, we want an early goal and I have reminded my players that in order to win, we must also prepare thoroughly for this match.
“While we aim for an early goal, our defence must also be solid to avoid conceding easily,” he added.
Despite having the upper hand, PSM Makassar arrived in Kuala Terengganu missing several key players due to injuries, including Yuran Fernandes.
PSM Makassar coach, Bernardo Tavares, however, adopted a humble approach, acknowledging that Terengganu’s current squad pose a greater threat in today’s match than his own team’s line-up.
“I believe Terengganu have a talented squad. Players like number 23 (Azam Azmi), number 11 (Safawi), number 33 (Akhyar), and number 22 (Engku Shakir), if he plays, are all capable of making a difference.
“It’s not just about one or two standout players, their entire team are strong. Many of their players represent the national team, including their goalkeeper (Rahadiazli Rahalim) and centreback (Safwan Mazlan).
“They also have quality foreign imports from the Philippines and Uzbekistan, and their striker, No. 9 (Ivan Mamut), is particularly impressive.
‘‘We’re keeping an eye on the entire team, not just one player,” said Tavares.
