KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Jan -- Pemain Paulo Josue meraikan jaringan ketika menentang pasukan Imigresen FC pada saingan Liga Super di Stadium Bolasepak Kuala Lumpur hari ini. Keputusan penuh perlawanan KL City FC 4-2 Imigresen FC. --fotoBERNAMA (2026) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur won’t expect A1 Semi-Pro League side Perak to be a major stumbling block in their Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg match in Ipoh today.
But the City Boys’ playmaker Paulo Josue (pic) is thinking ahead about a winning strategy in order to ensure a comfortable win.
For the naturalised Malaysian international, KL must capitalise quickly on gaps in the Perak defence to gain an early advantage.
And to accomplish that, Josue must be able to create space and supply the ammunition for forward Kpah Sherman to fire home.
“One of my qualities is the ability to find space in the middle of the pitch, especially when it’s against tough defenders,” said Josue.
“Sherman’s style is different from mine because he likes to use his body. He’s stronger so he can hold off the defenders better.
“But for me, I’m not that strong and can’t hold off players, so I’m always trying to run away from them and find the space to create chances.”
KL have won the Malaysia Cup four times in the past, most recently in 2021 when they downed giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 2-0 to end a 32-year wait for the trophy.
Meanwhile, KL coach Risto Vidakovic wants his men to get over their 0-1 loss to Penang at home in the Super League on Wednesday.
“I want the players to move on from that defeat. Losing is part of football but how we bounce back will matter more.
“The Malaysia Cup is a different competition and each game is crucial” he said.
After the match in Ipoh today, the second leg will take place at the Cheras Stadium on Jan 25.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan’s hopes of getting the upper hand in their round of 16 first leg was denied by Immigration as the match ended 0-0 at the Batu Kawan Stadium yesterday.
Hosts Immigration had the opportunity to take the lead instead, but their strike in the first half was ruled offside by VAR.
Negri will now have home ground advantage when they play the second leg at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium on Jan 25.
