PETALING JAYA: The passport to a surprise top-five finish in the Super League now seems within reach for Immigration after they secured a stunning 3-1 win over Terengganu at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Friday.
The triumph strengthened Immigration’s hold on sixth place, with 31 points from 23 games - just two points behind fifth-placed Terengganu with one match remaining.
Yusri Che Lah’s men will now look to end their campaign on a high when they face Melaka at Kangar Stadium in Perlis on May 16, while hoping the Turtles will slip up in their final fixture.
The in-form Mighty Tigers had earlier beaten Police 5-0 on April 25 before overcoming Brunei 3-1 on May 3.
Coach Yusri admitted he had not expected Immigration to claim all three points in Terengganu, describing the venue as one of the toughest to get a result.
“This is actually my first win in Terengganu. It’s a very difficult venue and the players performed beyond expectations,” said Yusri.
“We only had four days to prepare, while Terengganu had more rest but my players stayed disciplined tactically. Our main target was just not to lose because we wanted to maintain our advantage over Negri Sembilan in the standings. Winning here was beyond what I expected.”
Yusri also credited his players for taking advantage of Terengganu’s absentees, including Gervane Kastaneer and suspended midfielder Ehson Panjshanbe.
“We knew Terengganu’s strengths, but we saw opportunities tonight and made the most of them,” he added
He said Immigration had already surpassed their initial target.
“At the start of the season, our target was seventh place. Then, three weeks ago, the management challenged us to finish sixth. We have achieved that and now we will try our best to fight for fifth,” he said.
Against Terengganu, Immigra–tion had fell behind after just six minutes when Brazilian forward Raianderson da Costa, better known as Careca, capitalised on poor defending before firing a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Farhan Abd Majid.
Immigration, however, responded strongly and equalised in the 17th minute when winger Fayyadh Zulkifli delivered a cross from the right that was mishandled by Terengganu defender Diego Landis, resulting in an own goal.
The visitors took the lead in the 31st minute after Colombian striker Wilmar Jordan calmly converted a penalty past goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim.
Immigration extended their advantage two minutes after half-time when Venezuelan midfielder Eduardo Sosa finished off a through pass from Jordan with a low drive into the bottom corner.
