Perak ended the 2018 Malaysia Cup group stage with a defeat but it does not mean the end of the road as The Bos Gaurus have already prior qualified for the knockout stage prior to the 2-1 defeat to Felcra FC on Saturday.
The match at KLFA Stadium saw Mehmet Durakovic making a whole host of changes, retraining only four players from his usual starting line-up. He gave rest to the Brendan Gan, Leandro dos Santos as well as the boys that went away with the Malaysia national team.
In came the likes of Syazwan Zaipol, Ahmad Khairil Anuar, Firdaus Saiyadi and Nazrin Nawi. Yet it was the visitors who still dominated play but was profligate in front of goal.
“We made a lot of changes, we had a lot of possession and chances but it was not our night. Their keeper was the man of the match,” said Durakovic after the match. “We missed Nasir our captain. We go back now and concentrate on the quarterfinals. But yes, we missed the chance to win today and top the group.
“We go back to Ipoh and concentrate on PKNS. Well see who is available and who’s no injured. PKNS are a very good side with good foreign players and experienced local players. It will not be easy but I’m sure if we do our part, we can do well.”
The result meant that Perak finished in second spot in Group A behind Terengganu FC and a quarterfinal match up against the team that finished one spot behind them in the Super League - PKNS FC.
The Red Ants are Perak’s bogey team having already stay undefeated against Durakovic’s side after four matches played. The two teams also met in the FA Cup and K. Rajagopal’s team emerged victorious in that competition too.
