DARUL Ta’zim coach Bojan Hodak will have revenge on his mind when his team host Felda United in the Malaysia Cup semi-final return leg at Larkin Stadium on Saturday.
The Super League champions were denied a draw when Zambian striker Makeche Ndumba scored a marvelous goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to earn 10-man Felda a 4-3 win in Monday’s first leg match at Selayang Stadium.
Hodak had to reshuffle his starting lineup following injuries to Brazilian centre back Marcos Antonio and midfielder Safiq Rahim while Luciano Figueroa only came on in the second half as the Argentine was down with food poisoning.
The coach was disappointed with his defence comprising Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Fadhli Shas, Asraruddin Putra Omar and Daudsu Jamaluddin for conceding soft goals.
“The match was entertaining for the fans but not for the coach. Losing is not a problem but doing so this way is not good. We only conceded two goals in 10 matches before this match and I expected my players to keep up the record,” said Hodak yesterday
“I am upset that we conceded four goals in one game against Felda. And to that against a team, who played almost the entire second half with 10 players is quite unsetting.
“However, we were unlucky as several players were injured. I salute Figueroa for making a difference in the second half despite being weak from food poisoning.”
Bojan, however, is confident his team will maintain their unbeaten record at Larkin Stadium on Saturday.
Darul Ta’zim have won 12 matches and drawn six times at home in all competitions this season.
“The players need to focus and get the job done on Saturday. We always play well at home and I am confident we will beat Felda.
“Except for the suspended Shakir Shaari, the others are available for selection but I will need to check on whether Antonio and Safiq will both be fit.
“I am upset with the defenders but I don’t think they will make similar mistakes again. If Antonio is fit then he will play in defence. Otherwise, I will have to maintain the same lineup,” Bojan added.
Felda coach Irfan Bakti is a master tactician and the former national assistant coach is confident his side can upset the form book at Larkin Stadium.
“Yes, we won 4-3 at home but the advantage is with Darul Ta’zim as they netted three away goals. They only need a 1-0 win to progress into the final. “I will have to reshuffle as winger Syamim Yahya and Nasriq Baharom are both suspended. However, I have able replacements and we will not hold back. We will play attacking football,” said Irfan.