PETALING JAYA: Kuching City goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli (pic) is staring at one of the biggest challenges of his career as he gears up to deny Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) a place in the FA Cup final.
The Cats still believe they can overturn their narrow 1-2 deficit in the semi-final second leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri tomorrow, and Haziq will be central to that mission.
The 27-year-old, who once wore JDT’s colours, must deliver a commanding performance if Kuching City are to book a historic first-ever appearance in the FA Cup final.
Haziq’s form this season has been impressive, recording five clean sheets in eight league appearances and making 20 saves in all games, and featuring prominently in their Cup campaign.
Despite conceding nine goals in five FA Cup matches, Haziq’s reflex saves, command of his penalty area and ability to launch attacks from deep have earned praise from his teammates and coaching staff.
However, facing the Southern Tigers led by Brazilian striker and Super League all-time top scorer Bergson Da Silva, playmaker Heberty Fernandes and forward Romel Morales on their home turf presents an entirely different challenge.
Haziq knows he has to be at his sharpest in dealing with high-intensity pressure.
“Despite losing at home (in the first leg), I’m still proud as all of us fought hard until the final whistle, but luck was not on Kuching City’s side,” he said.
“We know JDT are stronger at home, but we are not here just to complete the match, we aim to play better,” he added.
In the other semi-final, Selangor host Sabah at the Petaling Jaya Stadium with the tie finely poised at 2-2 on aggregate.
