IFC Coach Believes Quarter-finals Still In Sight Despite Draw With NSFC

BATU KAWAN, Jan 18 (Bernama) — Imigresen FC (IFC) head coach Yusri Che Lah believes the squad is still in contention for a Malaysia Cup quarter-final place, despite being held to a goalless draw by Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) in the first leg last night.

He said the team must work harder for the return leg in Paroi on Jan 25 to secure a place in the next round, especially as it is IFC's debut in the prestigious tournament.

“Every team covets the Malaysia Cup, and achieving success here would be historic, especially for a new club like Imigresen in our debut season. 

“Therefore, my team must push harder. We cannot be content with today’s result, as a draw is not what we want. In the Malaysia Cup, goals are crucial—they put you in a much stronger position to advance,” he said during the post-match press conference at the Penang State Stadium last night.

The 50-year-old manager admitted his players were initially unsettled by the high pressure from the opponents early in the match. However, they found their footing after the half-hour mark, though a goal they scored was subsequently ruled offside.

“We’re not used to playing in front of such a large crowd, and facing Negeri Sembilan is the first time we’ve experienced such an atmosphere.  

“Furthermore, given their failure to score in their last three matches, we will try to apply pressure in Paroi. I’ve also assured the players that if it is a tie after 90 minutes, we are prepared to go into extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout,” he said.

Meanwhile, NSFC head coach Nidzam Jamil described the goalless draw as a fair result, following his team’s consecutive defeats to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) FC and Selangor FC.

He refused to cite fatigue as an excuse, despite having to rotate several players, and expressed hope that they would deliver a more energetic performance on home ground.

“Naturally, we would have preferred to return with a 1-0 or 2-0 win, but we must also respect Imigresen, who threatened us through attackers like Wilmar Jordan Gil and winger Eduardo Sosa.

“We had to rotate five or six players. Playing three matches in seven days is challenging without a large squad. After facing JDT and Selangor, I believe a 0-0 draw was a fair outcome. Our focus now shifts to the home leg,” he said.

—BERNAMA