Police head coach P. Maniam (left) and team captain Faith Obilor are unfazed ahead of their first-leg Challenge Cup final clash against Selangor tonight. - Malaysia Football League)
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite entering the final as the reigning Challenge Cup champions, Police are under less pressure than their opponents, Selangor, ahead of the first-leg clash tonight at Stadium MBPJ.
Head coach P. Maniam noted that his players have shown tremendous commitment in training throughout the week, a clear indication that the Cops are fully prepared for their game against Selangor.
They are also unfazed by Selangor’s current form, despite the Red Giants being unbeaten in 10 matches since their Malaysia Cup exit at the hands of Pahang last December
Police are also expected to field their strongest squad for the final, with the exception of midfielder, Chidi Osuchukwu, who remains sidelined due to injury.
Maniam believes his team have already exceeded expectations by reaching the Challenge Cup final for the second consecutive year.
They booked their place in the final after edging Kedah 5-4 on penalties in the semi-finals, following a dramatic 4-4 aggregate draw.
Earlier, in the quarter-finals, Police overcame Melaka with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
“I think reaching the final is a huge achievement, and it wasn’t easy to make it here again,” said Maniam.
“Honestly, we don’t feel any pressure. I just want the players to go out there and enjoy the game.
“We can see that Police have a strong fighting spirit, especially in the last 10 to 15 minutes of a match, where they push hard to overturn the result.
“But of course, we don’t want to leave it until the last minute in the final. We need to take the initiatives early, push forward, and hopefully, the results will go our way,” said Maniam.
Police have proven to be a formidable side, often posing problems for some of the league’s top teams.
The last time they faced Selangor was in a Super League clash on Oct 19, where they held the Red Giants to a 1-1 draw.
“We know Selangor are a strong team with talented players, and they are unbeaten in 10 games. Of course, they are on a different level.
“But I believe in my players. With experienced figures like Ifedayo (Olesegun) and (Faith) Obilor guiding the team, I’m confident we will put up a strong performance,” he added.
