GEORGE TOWN, Penang: Penang FC are ready to give it a right go and end their 24-year wait for a trophy when they take on Sabah FC in the first leg of the Challenge Cup final at City Stadium here tomorrow (Sat, Apr 4).
Penang, who won the FA Cup in 2002 when they defeated Perak 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, are counting on home ground advantage to score a big win to take to the return leg at Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on April 19.
Penang FC head coach, Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, is optimistic that his men will turn on the style in front of an expected capacity crowd at City Stadium, although three key players will be unavailable tomorrow due to suspensions and injury.
“For tomorrow’s game, we won’t have the services of Muhamad Adib Raop and Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin, who are suspended, and Jose Elmer Porteria, who has a foot injury.
“That’s our only setback. Otherwise, everything is going smoothly, and I dare say that our players are in high spirits. We have capable replacements ready to step up to the plate,” he told reporters at the pre-match press conference at City Stadium today.
He also said that, having worked hard in training after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, his men are in prime physical and mental condition.
Penang FC skipper, Stefano Brundo, while aware of the fans’ hunger for glory after such a long title drought, has reminded his teammates to stay focused and not get too carried away by emotions.
He stressed that they are ready for whatever Sabah FC throw at them, including their fast-flowing attacks and the presence of new imports, adding that the Panthers are confident in their own capabilities.
“Physically, we are perfect. We have trained well… we had like 10 straight sessions covering every key aspect for this game. They (Sabah FC) are a great team with a lot of history, but we feel that this final belongs to us and we want to show that tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC head coach, Juan Torres Garrido, was just as upbeat, saying his players are also in good shape, having undergone intensive training ahead of the first leg of the final.
“We really had proper time for training… So, I think we are better prepared to face the challenge. Of course, it’s a final, but it’s over two legs. So, I don’t think anything will be decided tomorrow,” he said.
Although Sabah will also be without several key players, Garrido said confidence in the Sabah camp is sky high, adding that their key objective is to return from Penang with a handsome win.
Sabah FC skipper, Dominic Tan, was just as bullish, saying they are ready for anything.
“I think in the final, anything can happen. Of course, Penang are a good team. At the end of the day, it’s a final, and we’ll do our best. We are ready, we’ve trained hard and prepared well for this match.
“Whatever Cup is at stake, a final is a final. The main objective for us is, of course, to win the Challenge Cup,” he said. – BERNAMA
