THE semi-final slot of this year’s FA Cup competition is on the line tonight. Sabah FC, who are holding a one-goal cushion, will be taking on Kelantan The Real Warrior FC in the return leg of the quarter-final here at Likas Stadium.
We have the upper hand playing in front of our home fans, hopefully they do turn up in numbers as there are doubts after the dismal league results from the team lately.
I am quite certain that many of the diehards will still come out to support the team, but caution is the right word as we must be aware that our opponents have the ability to turn the table on us.
We were riding our luck in the first leg tie for the crucial victory and with the present line-up in the team, I must say I am feeling sceptical about our team’s ability to get through the match easily.
However, I do believe the boys know that this is a golden opportunity for them to reach the semi-final, so I hope they don’t ruin it and make it count.
There’s been no news on the returning of Gabriel Peres and Darren Lok.
Are their injuries really that bad?
I am sure the fans like me want to know the latest updates on their current status and the expected date of returning to the team.
I am also a bit puzzled why so many injuries happened to our first team players so early in the season.
We had just seen the return of Daniel Ting, Miguel Cifuentes and Dominic Tan and it is good to see them on the pitch.
With the new imports yet to shine and contribute to the team, we need our trusted players in the team badly especially with the lack of depth on the bench.
Whoever is picked by head coach Jean Paul de Marigny for the match tonight must get psyched up for the task entrusted.
The players entering the pitch should focus and stay alert right from the start until the final whistle of the match if we are to avoid an unthinkable upset.
I am sure the coach has his plan all worked out to try to finish off Kelantan The Real Warrior FC and hopefully the players are able to execute it well.
It is also the right time for the new imports to buck up with their performance and show their true capabilities.
Let’s take the game tonight and sail through to the semi-final.
