Kelantan Out To Prove Sarawak Win Was No Fluke

5 Mac, 2015

GEORGE TOWN: The 4-0 drubbing from Police in their last league match will not be on Kelantan’s minds when they take on undefeated Perak in the sole Super League tie on Friday.

Kelantan coach George Boateng described the heavy loss in Kota Baru as an anomaly, and not a true reflection of the Red Warriors’ current form.

“We have moved on from the Police defeat, and nobody in the team is dwelling on it any more. We analysed the match and worked on things we should and shouldn’t be doing,” said Boateng.

“After the unexpected loss, everyone was waiting for us to fall again when we played Sarawak (in the FA Cup second round last Friday). But the players showed lots of character and confidence to overcome Sarawak, who are difficult to beat at home.

“It was not a lucky result, we deserved to win there.”

Strikers Erwin Carrillo of Colombia and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Kenmogne both got on the scoresheet for Kelantan in the win.

Boateng now wants his players to get the Red Warriors back on track in the league.

He has demanded a repeat of the same level of performance displayed in Kuching when they take on high-flying Perak in Ipoh.

Perak, whom many expected to struggle this year, are currently joint-top with Felda United on seven points from three matches.

Datuk M. Karathu’s side will also go into the game full of confidence after extending their unbeaten streak with a 3-1 victory over Shahzan Muda in the FA Cup.

Kelantan are one of three teams just behind the leading duo, on six points.

Said Boateng: “My players handed Sarawak a first home defeat in a long time, and we want do the same to Perak in Ipoh.

“They are on good form and will be tough opponents, but I only want my players to concentrate on their own performance and not look at the other teams.

“Victory over Perak will carry us to the top of the league before the other teams get into action over the weekend. It will be good if we can sit on top and let the others feel the pressure.”

The Kelantan squad left for Ipoh without left-sided player Zairul Fitree Ishak, who is down with flu.

Two other players who also caught the flu bug but were deemed fit enough to travel are midfielders Amar Rohidan and Wan Zack Haikal.

Original source - Loganath Velloo, Star Online www.thestar.com.my