Terengganu fans are already looking forward to their Malaysia Cup tie against LionsXII this weekend, with star forward Paulo Rangel set to make his return after a three-month absence.
The Brazilian forward was suspended for three months by FAM earlier this year, after appearing to kick the ball towards the Assistant Referee, during Terengganu’s FA Cup tie against LionsXII in Kuala Terengganu.
But with both teams set to lock horns once again, Rangel’s return will also serve as a timely one, considering that Norshahrul Idlan will sit out of this one after collecting a red card in their last outing.
“We lost Norshahrul to a red card against Kedah and he will be unavailable this week. Hopefully though, Rangel’s return spurs us on against LionsXII,” Terengganu FA President Datuk Wan Ahmad Nizam Wan Abdul Hamid told Harian Metro.
“I’m also hoping that our players will be able to spring a surprise and seal a win, despite playing away from home,” he added.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
Issey Nakajima’s fine form didn’t allow Terengganu fans to miss Rangel that much, but after their 5-0 drubbing against Kedah last week, they are desperate to see their team bounce back. Rangel will visibly need match fitness, before we can fully assess him again, but he will undoubtedly spearhead their attack against LionsXII on Saturday. Is he the man to inspire them to a win? We don’t know. But he’s certainly a handful, and if Issey can help the ex-Perak man with clear-cut opportunities on the day, Safuwan Baharuddin and co will have a hard time stopping him.
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