KUALA LUMPUR: Midfielder Victor Ruiz emerged as Kuala Lumpur City’s hero as they fought back to beat Terengganu 2-1 in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final, second leg at the Cheras Stadium yesterday, but coach Risto Vidakovic has warned his side against complacency.
The Spaniard struck the equaliser in the 78th minute before setting up Paulo Josue’s injury-time winner, sealing a 3-2 aggregate triumph and sending the City Boys into the semi-finals.
Terengganu had earlier taken control when Akhyar Rashid put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute, leaving Kuala Lumpur chasing the game for much of the contest.
Despite the dramatic turnaround, Vidakovic admitted it was far from their best performance but praised his players’ fighting spirit.
“It wasn’t a good game, among the worst maybe. But despite all the challenges we’ve been facing, I am proud of the players,” he said.
“From nothing, we scored twice. It’s tough psychologically to come back, but the players did it.
“They keep showing up and fighting, giving everything they have. That’s the most important thing a coach can ask for,” he added.
Kuala Lumpur have been dealing with off-field difficulties, including a three-window transfer ban that prevented them from strengthening the squad due to unresolved salary arrears.
“It’s very difficult to keep the team’s motivation up when they have to think about other problems.
“But in those 90 minutes, the players changed everything. Football belongs to them, and I’m glad to have players who keep fighting,” added Vidakovic.
Kuala Lumpur will face either Johor Darul Ta’zim or Melaka in the semi-finals in April.
