PETALING JAYA: Terengganu inched closer to the top four in the Super League after sealing three points against Melaka, and it was the local players who shone the most.
The Turtles ruined Melaka’s night at the Hang Jebat Stadium after winning 2-1 on Saturday, putting them just two points behind Kuala Lumpur in fourth place with 30 points.
Terengganu were forced to play without key player Raianderson Da Costa as the Brazilian had to sit out due to three yellow cards this season, but home-grown players stepped up.
Terengganu interim coach Tengku Hazman only fielded two international players, defender Diego Landis and forward Gervane Kastaneer.
“I have to thank the players. I put the trust in them and they took on the task well,” said Hazman.
“I had to put in more local players and they delivered. It shows that we have options in the squad.”
Terengganu were first to strike as winger Akhyar Rashid scored in the 36th minute, but Melaka eventually found the equaliser in the 73rd minute through Dino Kalesic.
It did not take long for Terengganu to find their second goal, as four minutes later winger Baqiuddin Shamsudin ensured Kuala Terengganu headed home with the win.
“I told the team early on that we should kill the game with all the chances that we create, but we didn’t capitalise on them.
“Things did get quite chaotic out there, but I’m glad the players managed to absorb the pressure,” he said.
Terengganu will get a chance to strengthen their position in the standings when they face Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
“It’s going to be a busy month but we hope to show improvement in every game to compete with the top clubs,” said Hazman.
