Kedah FA To Bet On Reserve Players For Negeri Sembilan FC II Match

ALOR SETAR, Sept 3 (Bernama) – Kedah FA is expected to make a major shake-up to its starting line-up when it takes on Negeri Sembilan FC II in the A1 Semi-Pro League in Tampin, this Sunday, following the tight schedule awaiting the team.

Head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli said he may field more reserve players to ensure the main players get enough rest before returning to face Star City FC in the FA Cup second leg next Tuesday.

He said the decision was important to manage the players' fitness levels, especially after Kedah FA drew 2-2 with Star City FC in the first leg of the FA Cup at the Darul Aman Stadium last night.

"Of course we want to win in Negeri Sembilan, but we also need to see which players need to be rested because two days later we will be playing against Star City again.

"So, we have to manage the players and there may be big changes in the starting line-up," he told reporters after the match against Star City FC here last night.

Akmal Rizal said the challenge not only involved a short recovery period, but also the road trip to Tampin which took about eight hours before the team had to travel the same way to return.

He said the condition of each player would be assessed through a recovery session before the list of players to be brought to Negeri Sembilan was determined, including identifying players who needed to be rested completely.

Meanwhile, Akmal Rizal said he did not intend to make major changes to Kedah FA's playing style since most of the squad had been formed since last season and had a good understanding.

He said the approach applied also still had similarities to the playing style under the previous coach, but several new elements adapted according to the football philosophy he wants to implement.

“Not only do we want to achieve victory but also entertain the supporters who are present with a beautiful game,” he said.

– BERNAMA