Sime Darby FC, the only club team remaining in Malaysia FA Cup is set to host an intriguing match this Tuesday against the defending champions, Terengganu FA. After recording several shocks in the competition, Sime Darby go into this match leading by a 2-1 scoreline. Selayang Stadium will be the witness to either a great comeback for the Turtles or a historic night for Sime Darby as they are on course to be the only club team to reach a Malaysia FA Cup final since 1990.
Despite the first leg loss, Terengganu bounced back from that defeat and recorded a comfortable 6-2 win against Vietnam’s Song Lam Nghe An in the AFC Cup. Francis Forkie Doe is the man to watch out for, he’s in a menacing mood after scoring a hat-trick in that game and will look to repeat that feat against Sime Darby.
Sime Darby’s rearguard have a big task on their hands to handle the Turtle attacks which will come in the form of Ashaari Shamsudin, Joseph Kalang Ti and Manaf Mamat who are all in great form at the moment.
As for Sime Darby, getting through to the semifinals itself have been a great achievement. But if they can prevent Terengganu from scoring more than one goal in Selayang, they will accomplish a dream come true which is playing in the final of Malaysia FA Cup.
Sime Darby have won all of their last five matches so they will face Terengganu in high spirits. However head coach Ismail Zakaria is set to lay out his defensive cards and shape his team to park the bus, while relying on striker Ronaldinho Wleh to hit Terengganu on counter attacks.
This match is a must win for Terengganu coach Mat Zan Mat Aris as their fans have been frustrated with the team’s performances of late. The big win against Song Lam Nghe An last Wednesday cheered the Turtles fans a little, but a win in this semifinal will help Mat Zan to regain his reputation.
It won’t be a walk in the park, as Sime Darby are enjoying their best season yet and will have every intention on making a grandstand finish by qualifying for the FA Cup final.