Imigresen FC coach Yusri Che Lah targets a quarter-final spot despite a goalless draw with Negeri Sembilan FC in the Malaysia Cup first leg
IMIGRESEN FC head coach Yusri Che Lah believes his squad is still in contention for a Malaysia Cup quarter-final place despite a goalless first-leg draw with Negeri Sembilan FC.
He said the team must work harder for the return leg in Paroi to secure a historic place in the next round during their debut season.
“Every team covets the Malaysia Cup, and achieving success here would be historic, especially for a new club like Imigresen,” he said during a post-match press conference at the Penang State Stadium.
“Therefore, my team must push harder. We cannot be content with today’s result, as a draw is not what we want.”
The 50-year-old manager admitted his players were initially unsettled by the high pressure from the opponents early in the match.
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,” he added.
Yusri stated they would try to apply pressure in Paroi, especially given Negeri Sembilan’s failure to score in their last three matches.
He has also assured his players they are prepared for extra time and a penalty shootout if the tie remains level after 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, NSFC head coach Nidzam Jamil described the goalless draw as a fair result following consecutive defeats to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and Selangor FC.
He refused to cite fatigue as an excuse despite having to rotate several players over three matches in seven days.
“Naturally, we would have preferred to return with a 1-0 or 2-0 win, but we must also respect Imigresen,” said Nidzam.
He highlighted the threat posed by IFC attackers Wilmar Jordan Gil and winger Eduardo Sosa during the match.
Nidzam expressed hope that his team would deliver a more energetic performance on home ground for the decisive second leg.
