PETALING JAYA: A five-goal cushion may look comfortable, but Negri Sembilan are taking nothing for granted in their FA Cup round-of-16 return leg against Police at the Selayang Stadium today.
Negri had thrashed Police 5-0 in the first leg at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium last month, yet head coach Nidzam Jamil insists the match is far from over.
“We can’t be comfortable because this is the FA Cup, and it’s a very different ball game,” warned Nidzam.
“There can be surprises due to different factors. Any situation can arise, so we need to play the way we know how and maintain our identity and attitude on the pitch. The five-goal advantage does not mean we will be heading into the match with half effort.”
At the same time, Negri defender Zainal Abidin Jamil echoed the head coach’s comments, stating that having one foot in the final eight does not warrant a lacklustre performance.
“Although many may think we are safe into the quarter-finals, it’s not a sure matter because as long as the match isn’t over, we can’t be satisfied,” said the 26-year-old.
“My teammates and I will need to be careful throughout the match and not make any mistakes that can give our opponents the chance to score goals.”
