KOTA KINABALU: Justin Ganai (pic) hopes his players will raise their game further when they take on JDT III in the Group A President Cup competition at Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium this afternoon (Monday). The team played well in their two-all draw with leaders Selangor on Thursday at the Likas Stadium but the head coach said the players must improve if they hope to go beyond the group stage.
“The team although progressing well, still have room for improvement especially on the finishing. “We must continue to work hard and improve our game because the league is not going to get easier, and if the players continue to strive harder, I believe that there is more to come from them. “If the players can put up the same kind of performance and spirit like they did against Selangor then I am confident we will return home with three points or one point the very least from Johor,” he added.
Meanwhile, Justin may replace injured striker Faizulnizam Aziz with Muhammad Faqhrurazi Ahmad, and defender Kelvin Pengiran for the suspended Mohd Izzat Aziz while the rest will be the same players who started the Selangor match. Joslan Aping will be in goal, Gerald Gadit and Mohd Azmizan Ruslih on right and left back respectively with Kelvin and Abdul Hanafie Tokyo Abdul Hasim in the centre.
Mohd Syukri Baharun and skipper Mohd Aidil Safee will be in midfield with the support of Erick Odo and Zulkifly Harun from the flanks while Faqhrurazi will team up with Ariusdius Jais in attack. Meanwhile, the State Under-18 squad lost 3-0 to table toppers Terengganu IV at the Padang Astaka, Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu on Sunday.
They went behind from a 24-yard free kick before conceding the second from a spot kick in the second half and let in the third in the latter stage of the matech. It was the team’s sixth consecutive loss and seventh in total in their campaign this season. They only managed three points in eight matches played from their 2-1 win against Negeri Sembilan back in February. – GL Oh
