IPOH: Perak will not be able to field their captain, 24-year-old defender Shahrul Mohd Saad and 24-year-old right-back Amirul Azhan Aznan for the FA Cup quarter-final second leg against PKNS FC at the Perak Stadium tomorrow night (Saturday).
Shahrul is out suspended while Azhan on the other hand is ending his bachelorhood as he holds his wedding reception tomorrow (Saturday).
This was made known by Perak’s 52-year-old Australian coach, Mehmet Durakovic after the team’s final training session before their quarter-final encounter.
"It is unfortunate to lose their services for such an important match. Their absence will be felt because they are an integral part of our first team,” said Durakovic when met earlier today (Friday).
However, the Australian coach said that the team will press on and play to win, and he hopes that their replacements will be able to fill in effectively.
Durakovic did not reveal who are the players that would fill in for both Shahrul and Azhan to form Bos Gaurus defensive wall together with Nazirul Naim Che Hashim and Robert Cornwaithe.
"What is certain is the match will determine our path in the competition, so the players must give their all to make sure that we can advance to the semi-finals.
"PKNS FC are not just any other team so it will not be an easy match for sure, but we are out to prove that we can get the better of our opponents despite our record against them being less than impressive,” added Durakovic.
Durakovic is also hoping that their fans will turn out in full force and fill every nook and corner of the stadium which recently underwent upgrading works. Perak lost the first leg 2-1 to Datuk K. Rajagobal’s team.