Melaka United will be hosting Terengganu FA in what should certainly be a David vs Goliath clash, considering that it pits a team from the third tier FAM League against another from the top-tier Super League.
But there’s even more reason for Terengganu to be considered massive favourites for this one. They have started the season relatively well, gaining six points from their first three games, while star striker Paulo Rangel is already looking comfortable within the Turtles’ set-up. He seems to have formed a solid combination with Gustavo Lopez, as depicted in their recent victory over Sime Darby in the Super League.
That being said, the Turtles will certainly not be keen on underestimating their opposition this time around. Melaka United may be considered minnows but they are playing at home in this tie, and could cause an upset should they remain tight at the back. In fact, team manager Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi claims that the players are incredibly motivated to do well and they’ve got nothing to lose as well.
They have an experienced head coach in the form of Md Zan Mat Aris at helm, who knows all about Terengganu, having previously been in charge of them. On the pitch, they have the well-travelled Azizan Baba as their skipper while Famirul Asyraf Sayuti will certainly lead their line upfront.
While the FAM league hasn’t kicked off, Melaka United have played 16 friendly games over the last few months to prepare for this clash, winning six of them, drawing six while losing four matches.
None of that though, is enough to take down Terengganu should they hit their strides at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday night. Can they do it? That’s an entire different question.
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