PETALING JAYA: Chasing down a five-goal deficit is never easy, but Police have no option but to go on the offensive when they face Negri Sembilan in the FA Cup round-of-16 second leg at the Selayang Stadium on Friday.
Coach Eddy Gapil knows the task is monumental.
Still, he remains optimistic that his men can rise to the challenge against a Negri side who have been sharp in front of goal all season.
“We will take an attacking approach, but at the same time, we cannot afford to concede,” said Eddy.
Much of the responsibility will fall on Ivorian striker Henri Doumbia, who is expected to spearhead the comeback.
To support him, Eddy will look to Jordanian playmaker Ahmad Israiwah and Fakhrul Azim Zulpatah for creativity, while veteran South Korean midfielder Park Tae-su could play a pivotal role with his late runs into the box.
Should Doumbia need support, Nigerian forward Elisha Kashim and Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak are ready options off the bench.
At the back, Police will be without influential Ivorian centreback Noel Agbre, who is suspended after his red card in the first leg. Even so, Eddy is encouraged by the team’s preparation.
“The preparations have been smooth, and thankfully, apart from Noel, we have a fully fit squad,” he said.
