PETALING JAYA: Terengganu may hold a comfortable 2-0 lead, but there will be no room for complacency when they face UM-Damansara in tonight’s Malaysia Cup last 16 second leg.
Veteran midfielder Akram Mahinan has warned the Turtles to stay fully focused to avoid an upset at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak.
“We have a healthy two-goal advantage, but we cannot take things lightly,” said Akram, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Monday.
Staying wary: Terengganu’s Akram Mahinan (front) will be cautious in the second-leg match against UM-Damansara. — Terengganu FC
“They made us struggle in the first leg, and the boys are well aware that Cup competitions can produce giant-killing acts.
“Kuala Lumpur, for instance, lost 0-2 to Perak in the first leg.
“Despite the cushion we have, we cannot be overconfident. Whether at home or away, Cup competitions demand total concentration.”
Terengganu secured a 2-0 victory over the A1 Semi-Pro League side at the UM Arena in Kuala Lumpur last week, with Brazilian playmaker Rainderson da Costa scoring a superb solo effort in the fifth minute before UM captain and centreback A. Shivan Pillay put through his own goal in the 78th minute.
Despite the convincing scoreline, the Turtles endured several nervy moments, with Nigerian striker Thankgod Michael from the opposing team posing a constant threat.
Terengganu’s new Tajikistani duo – midfielder Ehsan Panjshanbe and striker Shervoni Mabatshoev - were also still finding their feet in the domestic scene.
“Maybe the new players did not have the desired impact in the first game due to the weather and conditions,” said Akram.
“We, the local players, are doing our best to help them acclimatise to our style of play and surroundings. The team have struggled a bit lately since Nurillo (Tukhtasinov) left for Uzbekistan.
“He is a top box-to-box midfielder, but Ehsan can play that role too.
“He just needs time to adapt to our country, as he previously played in Central Asian nations such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.”
Individually, the season has not been straightforward for Akram, who has been rotated in midfield.
He has featured in 16 matches across all competitions, starting 10 of them.
The former Kuala Lumpur player, who won the Malaysia Cup in 2021, admitted it has not been easy but understands the importance of being ready whenever called upon.
“For any player, minutes are important. Everyone wants to play, so I haven’t been fully satisfied because I’ve been in and out of the team,” he said.
“But football is a team game, and I have to be prepared for any situation. Even as a substitute, I must be effective. In training, I’m working hard to get into the rhythm quickly and make an impact whenever I’m on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, UM-Damansara striker Shafizi Iqmal Khirudin insists his side will do everything possible to stage an upset despite the odds.
“In the first leg, we were undone by silly mistakes. Our gameplay was good, but the mistakes cost us,” said the 26-year-old.
“We know what is at stake in the second leg. We have to attack more and be aggressive off the ball to create chances through counters or transitions.”
