PETALING JAYA, Nov 25 – Much is at stake when the return leg Malaysia cup semi-finals are played at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru between defending champions Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) and Terengganu while at the Hang Stadium will be between Melaka United and Kuala Lumpur City FC on Friday (Nov 26).
The first leg matches at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin in Gong Badak Stadium, Kuala Terengganu and at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras ended with identical 1-1 stalemate which gives the return leg hosts the home advantage plus home fans.
However, a lot will depend on match officials for both matches. If they (match officials) are true professionals and officiate without fear or favor expect thrillers at both venues – as seen over television it was not the best of refereeing, especially in Gong Badak.
Do not tarnish the country’s most prestigious football competition – the Malaysia Cup which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.
Poor refereeing has marred Malaysian football – let it be the league or the Malaysia Cup. However, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) thinks otherwise even with evidence. Referees are known to protect certain teams and players but they have a Godfather in the FAM Referees Committee.
Due to lack of professionalism by certain parties it has become a perennial problem that needs to be arrested if Malaysian football is to progress.
No doubt we have some referees who have made the grade to Asian and FIFA level but when it comes to local football it leaves a big question mark.
Putting aside, the biggie at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is a much awaited clash as both the Southern Tigers and the Turtles go into the match on equal footing.
In the league JDT defeated Terengganu 1-0 away but the East Coast powerhouse handed the Southern Tigers a bitter 1-0 defeat in their own den.
The first leg Malaysia Cup semi-final in Gong Badak ended 1-1 with Jordan Mintah netting an early eighth minute goal for the Turtles before Brazilian Bergson Da Silva salvaged an equaliser in the 51st minute.
There were many incidents, including off ball, but referee Tuan Mohd Yassin messed it up. Hopefully, there will be more competent match officials at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Melaka United head coach Zainal Abidin Hassan wants to write Melaka football history with place in the Malaysia Cup final.
The historical city’s best has been a semi-final place in 1983 apart from reaching the quarter-finals in 2017 and 2019.
It is likely to be the battle of the foreigners at Hang Tuah. Sony Norde (Haite) and Adriano Narcizo (Brazil) are Melaka trump cards. It was Adriano who blasted un unstoppable freekick in the eighth minute to give Melaka the lead,
KL, under the shrewd Croatian Bojan Hodak as the head coach, it has been a fairy tale run for the City Boys. Hodak turned midfielder Romel Morales into a hitman and there has been no looking back for the Colombian who has kept KL’s football dream alive in a bid to win the silverware after three decades.
However it was local Zhafri Yahya who headed home the equalizer off an assist by skipper Paulo Josue, another ace in the pack in KL.
So ref please do not spoil the show with fears and with favours.
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