Terengganu FC interim coach cites injuries and limited foreign players for 0-2 Super League loss to Penang FC at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium
TERENGGANU FC interim head coach Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan blamed a shortage of import players for his side’s 0-2 home defeat to Penang FC.
The loss at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium saw TFC only able to field three foreign players due to injuries and expiring contracts.
“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,” he said.
He stated it was very difficult for local players to compete against Penang FC’s six import players.
Tengku Hazman also pointed to the absence of midfield playmaker Nurillo Tukhtasinov as a key factor in the loss.
“When Nurillo isn’t available, we also lose a player who can control the game and create chances,” he added.
Penang FC’s victory was sealed by import striker Tchetche Kipre, who scored twice in the 69th and 89th minutes.
Meanwhile, Penang FC head coach Wan Rozaimi Wan Ismail praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit.
He described the victory as a major boost for his side amid their inconsistent run of form.
“I reminded the players not to rush or get too eager in front of goal because mistakes can happen when decisions aren’t right,” Wan Rozaimi said.
He added that his players stayed patient and waited for the right moment to punish Terengganu.
