If there were any doubts on Datuk M. Karathu and troops’ ability to take down opponents, all of them would have been cleared after last Tuesday. The Seladangs took on Terengganu away from home in the first leg of their FA Cup quarter-finals tie, and they almost seized a win, before Paulo Rangel netted an injury time spot-kick to make the score 1-1.
But this weekend, the exact same match will take place, except that Terengganu would be travelling to Ipoh for this one. Perak’s youthful set-up seems to paying dividends, with G. Mugenthiran doing well against the Turtles last Tuesday.
The Bos Gaurus have also completed the signing of Jamaican forward Horace James, and should his ITC be processed in time, he could potentially be unleashed against Terengganu this weekend.
That is precisely what Terengganu need to be wary of. Coach Karathu revealed that he would not hesitate to play three forwards in a game, which reflects the confidence he has in Namkung Woong, Chad Souza, who has been recovering his form, as well as James. And if all three of them do play on Saturday night, things could get a tad too hazy for Abdul Rahman’s men.
But it’s not that Terengganu lack firepower; Paulo Rangel and Gustavo Lopez have been sensational thus far. It’s a matter of whether these names get an opportunity to make their mark on the game. Last Tuesday, the hardworking Perak midfield did not allow them any time and space on the ball, making it harder for Rangel to produce anything on the offensive zone.
Perak have the home advantage in this one, and they certainly have an ample amount of confidence following their last two games; a 4-1 win over Felda United as well as a 1-1 draw against the Turtles. Having said that, the strength within Terengganu’s squad is absolutely indubitable; they have a better team on paper.
The clash on Saturday night though, will be nothing short of stupendous.
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