PETALING JAYA: Terengganu’s 3-0 win over Immigration in Gong Badak on Saturday was more than just a comeback – it was the night Akhyar Rashid reminded everyone of his class.
The national winger struck twice after Junior Ngong Sam’s opener at the Sultan Mizan Stadium, powering the Turtles into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory.
His sharp finishing proved the difference as teammates struggled to convert their chances.
“From start to finish, we wanted goals and Alhamdulillah, we got a 3-0 and advanced to the next stage,” said coach Badrul Afzan Razali, who praised his side’s urgency but singled out Akhyar’s killer instinct.
While Brazilian winger Gabriel Silva endured a frustrating evening with four missed opportunities, Akhyar seized his chances with composure – a reminder of the talent that once made him one of the country’s most promising attackers.
His brace also came as a timely boost, with Akhyar eyeing a return to the national team ahead of October’s AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers against Laos.
“Gabi had chances but didn’t score. Akhyar got the chances and took them. That was the difference,” Badrul admitted.
“After the game, he (Silva) spoke to me about it – he promised to do something for the team. I believe he will bounce back.”
Badrul stressed that the focus now shifts immediately to their next Super League clash against Melaka on Friday, with little room to ease off.
“I’m not resting the players. I want them to stay focused and fit. We will work on sharpening our finishing, just as we did against Immigration.”
