PETALING JAYA: Consistently collecting three points from matches is key for Terengganu to stay in the top five of the Super League, and their recent 1-1 draw with Kuching has left coach Badrul Afzan Razali unsatisfied.
The Turtles had their backs against the wall at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium on Friday after having to come from behind to settle for a point on home ground against Kuching.
Badrul said the team gave a lacklustre performance in the first half, failing to seek out goal scoring opportunities.
“We could have gotten three points, but the players just didn’t have the urgency to get goals in the first half,” said Badrul.
“So before the second half, I had to give the team a wake-up call because if they played the same way, we would’ve lost the game.”
Kuching made things tense at half-time for Terengganu as Namibian midfielder Petrus Shitembi scored right before the break in the 44th minute.
After much effort in the second half, Terengganu managed to find the equaliser when substitute Engkur Mohd Nur Syakir Engku Yakob scored in injury time and salvaged a point for the hosts.
“Kuching are a strong team and if we give them the space and opportunity to attack, we will be punished.
“We needed the three points, because in the Super League we need it to stay in the top five,” said Badrul.
It was the Turtles’ second straight draw in the Super League after they also settled for a point against Negri Sembilan last month.
Terengganu will hope to get back to winning ways when they face Immigration next on Dec 19.
They currently sit in fifth place with 15 points.
Meanwhile, Kuching coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said the one-point takeaway was satisfactory for the Cats as they were facing a strong team such as Terengganu on their home turf.
“Terengganu are not easy to beat but the players gave their best effort,” said Aidil.
“We got a point against Terengganu. Thankfully, we managed to get that and will focus on the next match.”
Kuching’s next Super League match will see them host Melaka at the Sarawak Stadium on Dec 19.
