IPOH: Even though Perak will be taking a comfortable lead to the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu for the Malaysia Cup semi-final second leg against Sabah, team captain Shahrul Mohd Saad admits that it will be anything but smooth sailing as he expects hot reception from The Rhinos.
The former international feels that Perak’s five goal lead from the first leg is not a guarantee that they are almost certain to be in the final.
"We still have a tough task tomorrow night (Sunday) as there is still 90 minutes more to go for us to defend our lead and position. And don’t write Sabah off just yet, as anything could happen during such a crucial match.
"Even though it looks like a daunting task, it is not impossible for them to wipe out such an advantage.
"The Perak players must focus 100 per cent on their respective roles for the match to avoid blowing such a big, comfortable lead from the first leg. What’s for certain is that this will be a very closely contested match because Sabah will be very determined to turn things around and win the match.
"We must avoid conceding any goals at all costs as if we do then our opponents will be fired up to get the better of us,” said Shahrul when contacted here earlier today (Saturday).
However Shahrul is confident that the Perak players also know what needs to be done to realise their dream of getting to final after a long and arduous 11 year wait.
In the semi-final first leg, Perak thrilled their fans when they embarrassed Sabah 5-0 at the Ipoh Stadium, lending truth to their tag of favourites to advance to the Malaysia Cup final.
If they make it to the final, then they will face the winner of the other semi-final between defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Terengganu who will battle it out at Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru tonight (Saturday).