KUALA NERUS, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Terengganu FC (TFC) interim head coach Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan blamed a lack of import players for his side’s 0-2 defeat to Penang FC at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (SSMZA) here last night.
The Kelantan-born coach said the Turtles were only able to field three import players due to a combination of issues, including injuries and expiring contracts, which left the team stretched against a Penang side stacked with foreign reinforcements.
He also pointed to the absence of midfield playmaker Nurillo Tukhtasinov as a key factor, saying the team lacked creativity going forward and ultimately dropped three valuable points on home soil.
“I expected this (defeat) could happen. Tonight, we could only field three import players because key players such as Yan Mabella and Gabriel Silva are sidelined by injuries. It’s very difficult for local players to compete against Penang FC’s six import players.
“When Nurillo isn’t available, we also lose a player who can control the game and create chances. Our young players looked stiff and couldn’t deliver what we expected,” he said after the Super League clash against Penang FC at SSMZA last night.
In the match, Penang FC import striker Tchetche Kipre proved decisive, scoring twice in the 69th and 89th minutes to seal the win for the Panthers.
Meanwhile, Penang FC head coach Wan Rozaimi Wan Ismail praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit, saying they stayed disciplined and patient throughout the match.
He described the victory over Terengganu as a major boost for his side, especially amid their inconsistent run of form, and believes it could serve as a turning point in their league campaign.
“Even though our performances have been up and down, I stayed positive and came to Terengganu with a clear mission — to get all three points.
“I reminded the players not to rush or get too eager in front of goal because mistakes can happen when decisions aren’t right. They stayed patient and waited for the right moment to punish Terengganu, and that’s exactly what happened,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
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