Going wide: JDT’s Eddy Israfilov goes for a shot at goal during their Super League match against Terengganu. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu played their cards right against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) but the goals were just not coming.
The Turtles produced a good tactical display but it wasn’t enough, as the defending Super League champions beat them 1-0 in the Super League game at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Saturday.
Spanish midfielder Juan Muniz was the lone goalscorer in the 13th minute, finishing a long pass from centreback Park Jun-heong.
Coach Badrul Afzan Razali was left fuming on the sidelines after they missed several chances in the game especially in the 85th minute when winger Nik Sharif Haseefy Lazim missed a one-versus-one opportunity by placing the ball straight to JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
“Finishing wasn’t the best. I am disappointed because we didn’t convert our chances. We had four clear chances but did not bury them. We should have at least a point based on how we performed,” said Badrul.
“We were good in both halves and showed that we could bounce back after losing to them in the Malaysia Cup. My boys were disciplined and diligent with the tactics.
“But it was not meant to be for us.”
Before this tie, Terengganu had lost 0-4 to the Southern Tigers in the Malaysia Cup first leg semi-final at the Sultan Mizan Stadium on Jan 17.
Badrul is now sweating upon the status of his first-choice goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim, who had to be taken off in the first half due to injury.
He was replaced by Syed Nasrulhaq Syed Bidin during the game and with Rahadiazli down, Badrul will now have only one fit goalkeeper for the upcoming match against JDT in the Malaysia Cup second leg semi-final on Saturday at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
“I am waiting for the doctors to get back to me on Abey’s (Rahadiazli) injury. Syed played well despite being away for a long time,” said Badrul.
“If Abey is out, then I will have to pick one of the goalies from the Terengganu II squad as a back-up to Syed.”
Meanwhile, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio admitted that the game was difficult, especially on a dry pitch where the ball was not moving as fast as they wanted.
“We knew it would be different and difficult. My boys gave their commitment, it was a little tough to control the ball because the pitch was dry.
“The previous game here, the field was a little wet and sleek, which allowed us to play our game,” said the Venezuelan.
JDT have 52 points from 18 matches, while Terengganu remain fourth with 24 points from 17 games.
