Discipline Key To Felda's Win Over Terengganu

19 April, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Felda United coach Irfan Bakti credited his side’s tactical discipline for ending Terengganu’s unbeaten home run with a 3-1 win in the Super League at the Sultan Ismail Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.

Winger Ahmad Syamim Yahya squeezed in the opener in the 20th minute following a melee in the penalty box, but Terengganu striker Paulo Rangel equalised for the Turtles with a thumping header in the 63rd minute in Saturday’s clash.

But the Fighter sealed full points in the final 10 minutes with goals by Ndumba Makeche (80th) and Edward Junior Wilson (84th) after swift counter-attacking moves.

Despite the win, Felda remained second in the 12-team standings after eight matches. Like Felda, leaders Selangor also have 17 points but they have a better goal difference after the 4-0 demolition of Singapore’s Lions XII.

Irfan was pleased his defence withstood Terengganu’s constant pressure.

“We knew they would throw everything at us to keep their unbeaten four-match home record intact. So I asked Indra (Putra Mahayuddin) and Shahrulnizam (Mustapa) to mark their Argentinian midfielder Gustavo Lopez. The plan worked well for us as we cut off Lopez’s passes to Rangel.

“We didn’t really create any good chances, so Syamim’s goal was a big relief because it put pressure on Terengganu. I’m glad that the players kept their tactical discipline and did well to net the winner in the last 10 minutes of the match,” he said.

Irfan also praised new-signing Christie Jayaseelan, who made his debut for the Fighters as a second-half substitute.

“Christie only trained once with us since joining from Armed Forces last week. He was not at his best, but he still played a key role after coming on as a substitute. I believe he will contribute more once he gels with his team-mates,” said Irfan.

Sumber - K. Rajan, Star Online www.thestar.com.my