Two first-round matches – against Kuala Lumpur and PKNP – will only be played during the fasting month but Terengganu is more concerned with this Friday’s biggie against Pahang in their first second-round match in Kuantan.
“This is a big one for us in many ways,” said Terengganu head-coach Irfan Bakti soon after returning to Kuala Terengganu on Monday after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Perak in Ipoh.
It was Terengganu’s second successive defeat which came in the wake of the 3-1 home defeat to Pahang.
While Perak moved into second place in the league standings Terengganu slipped to fifth after nine matches. Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) lead with 24 points with Perak on 19, followed by Pahang on18, PKNS 14 and Terengganu on 12.
“It was another painful defeat for us. We lost to Pahang at home and to Perak away and we could possibly be staring at a third defeat when we play Pahang (second round) this Friday.
“The answer is simple…we don’t have depth on the bench. I gave (Kipre) Tchetche a run against Perak and we could see the difference in the team although we lost. Tchetche is not fully fit yet but he has given us hope.
“Pahang seem to be playing better away. Kedah held them to a 2-2 draw in Kuantan and we will go for it,” said Irfan.
Perak rode on their foreign power for the win over Terengganu with Gilmar Da Silva scoring a brace after Wander Luiz opened the scoring as early the fifth minute. Gilmar’s goals came in the 13th and 38th minutes.
Terengganu’s goals came from J. Partiban (11th) and Lee Tuck in the 79th minutes. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
