KUALA LUMPUR – With the FA Cup up for grabs, Terengganu FC (TFC) striker Faisal Halim believes their strategy for the game against Super League leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) tomorrow will be the key to victory.
Faisal said head coach Nafuzi Zain’s approach to the final is unlike what the team has been used to.
“The plan for the final is different from what we have been used to in the past months.
“Two of the best teams are here. This is the best chance for a small team like Terengganu to prove we have what it takes to defeat JDT,” he told reporters after TFC’s training session at the national stadium.
The 24-year-old added that although his future at the club is still uncertain as he has received an offer from Selangor FC, his focus right now is to perform his best for the Turtles and clinch the FA Cup title they last won in 2011.
“A win here would mean so much to me. Even if I am not with Terengganu anymore after this, at least I can say that I gave them a FA Cup win.”
Faisal said he hopes he will be third time lucky after having been part of two FA Cup finals with Pahang in 2017 and 2018, both as a reserve player.
Meanwhile, Ivorian Kipre Tchetche wants to leave this final with silverware as chances to play in a cup final do not come around too often.
“I hope this will be the time for me to win. It is not every day you play the final.
“We had a good training session today and we are more familiar with the pitch now. We just need to focus on not repeating the mistakes we have made over the years.
“We know what it is like to lose in the final of a competition, so now we know how to capitalise on the opportunity this time,” said the 34-year-old.
Terengganu previously lost the 2018 Malaysia Cup to Perak. Tchetche scored the opening two goals in that match for the team, but the final score was 3-3. Perak won 4-1 in penalties.
At the same time, Philippines national Manuel Ott said playing in the FA Cup final is a dream come true for every footballer.
“Everybody who grew up playing football wants to play in front of 80,000 fans for the title.
“I just hope I can help the team get a positive result. We just need to follow the coach’s plan and convert our chances,” he said.
Terengganu players will have extra motivation to win as the state government has announced plans to reward the players if they win the cup. – The Vibes, September 9, 2022
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