KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 – The Malaysian Super League resumes on Friday (April 2) after the international break, but it is news from Kuala Terengganu that has rocked east coast giants and strong contenders Terengganu FC.
Second-placed Terengganu has confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim, who earned a national call-up from coach Tan Cheng Hoe recently, is out for the rest of the season with an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury which needs surgery.
The recuperation is long-term – which means he can forget this season, says team manager Zul Fadli Rozi.
The Turtles are currently in second place in the 12-team Super League with 10 points after five matches – ahead of Kedah on goal difference.
Head coach Nafuzi Zain will now count upon reserve keeper Sharmiza Yusof and feeder squad keeper Suhaimi Hussin to replace Rahadiazli.
Terengganu resumes the league with a home match against all-local side Petaling Jaya City FC. PJ City is fifth in the table standings with eight points after five matches.
Meanwhile,seven-time Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim’s (JDT) midfielder Natxo Insa is suspended for Friday’s home match against Melaka United FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru.
The 34-year-old found guilty of gross misconduct by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) disciplinary committee on Thursday when he laid his hands on match referee Noor Azriel Baharudin after JDT’s away match against Perak on March 21.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after the Southern Tigers fought back from 2-0 down at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh.
Insa was also slapped with an RM10,000 fine. While he sits out the Melaka United FC match, Insa’s second match suspension is suspended and will depend on his behavior.
JDT will not feel Insa’s absence against Melaka United FC as Mexican coach Benjamin Mora has enough depth for a replacement to carry on the Southern Tigers challenge for their eighth league title in a row.
The southern team leads the table with 11 points from matches and is still unbeaten although the last two matches ended in a stalemate (1-1 with Penang) at home before the draw against Perak.
About The Author
