KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti praised his team for their fighting qualities to reach the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
On Friday, Terengganu, who edged Felda United 2-1 in the quarter-final first leg, produced an impressive performance to notch a 4-3 win in the return leg at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium for a 6-4 aggregate victory.
For the east coast side, who finished fifth in the Super League, it will be their first appearance in the semi-finals since finishing runners-up in the 2011 season. Ironically, it was Irfan who led Terengganu to the final that season.
“It was a perfect come from behind win over Felda. We were down 2-0 before my players showed great intensity to seal this memorable victory over the Premier League champions,” said Irfan.
“I attribute the success to my players’ mental strength and determination. They did not give up when the going was tough.
Lee Tuck Goal (57th minute), Adib Aizuddin (69th), Abdul Malik Mat Ariff (83th) and Kipre Tchetche (87th) netted for Terengganu while Felda scored through Thiago Junio (12th), Ahmad Syamim Yahya (49th) and Gilberto Fortunato (79th).
Felda coach B. Sathianathan said his side were unlucky on Friday.
“We just could not hold on to our lead and furthermore, we were wasteful, especially in the first half,” said the former national coach.
Sathianathan’s contract expires next month and he hopes to extend his term with the club, who will play in the Super League next season.
“I have spoken with the management about my contract, but nothing is finalised yet. I hope to stay on as I believe Felda have the potential to develop into a strong team.
“Felda have been professional in all aspects. They pay salaries on time and the club bosses do not interfere with the team’s decision making,” he added.