KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu will have to rely on an all local strikeforce in their Asean Club Championship Group A match against Myanmar's Shan United at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon today.
The Turtles' Croatian forward Ivan Mamut has not fully recovered from injuries while El Salvador forward Nelson Bonilla, who is a second transfer window signing, couldn't be registered for the competition and Ismaheel Akinade was left behind due to Myanmar's regulations prohibiting African players from entering the country.
Terengganu will now have to rely on national players Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid who are on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim, as well as youngster Syahmi Zamri, for goals against Shan United.
Terengganu coach, Badrul Afzan Razali admitted they have a tough mission without their foreign strikers, but he believes the locals could deliver the results.
"Safawi, Akhyar and Syahmi have experience competing on the highest stage.
"As for our foreign players, we are bringing only midfielders, Nurillo Tukhtasinov and Manuel Ott, as defender Argzim Redzovic could not join the team due to visa issues."
He said securing three points remains the team's target as the Turtles aim to reach the semi-finals.
Terengganu are currently second last in the six-team Group A with one point after two matches, three behind group leaders PSM Makassar from Indonesia (four points).
Though winless and bottom of Group A without a point, Shan United lead the Myanmar National League with 40 points from 14 matches and are unbeaten domestically.