BATTLE OF THE BIG FOUR - THE 63RD MALAYSIA CUP Edition 2010 SEMI-FINAL MATCH PREVIEW 1

MATCH PREVIEW 1


For Kedah it could be their 11th appearance if they reach the 63rd Malaysia Cup Finals since the Cup was introduced in 1921 when it was first known as Malaya Cup. They are ranked six best teams in the Malaysia Cup history after winning the trophy four times in 1990, 1993, 2007 and 2008. 

But standing their way will be three times Malaysia Cup runners up in 1955, 1970 and 2009 Kelantan in the semis. For the Canaries they face high-riding Kelantan after the east coast side edge the newly crowned 2010 Super League Champions Selangor in the quarterfinals on 3-0 aggregate.

It could be a massive job for Kedah coach Ahmad Yusof to dispose the Red Warriors led by former national coach B.Sathianathan who is still feeling the agony of defeat in the hands of Negri Sembilan 3-1 in the last year's cup final at Bukit Jalil Stadium. Kelantan must surely dreaming to be in the cup final again and once to holds their hand on the prestigious trophy for the very first time.

Akmal Rizal of Kelantan

The Kedah side will be facing their former prodigal son hails from Jitra, Kedah 28th year-old Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli who is currently Kelantan top scorer in Malaysia Cup with five goals. He is currently in great form after his memorable contribution in plotting his former team Selangor downfall in the second-leg quarterfinals in Kota Bharu. 

Badrol Bakhtiar of Kedah

But for Kedah they will not just facing Akmal Rizal alone. Alongside him will be from Kelantan neighbouring state Terengganu's trio in the likes of NorShahrul Idlan Talha, Mohd Norfarhan and Hairuddin Omar plus captain's, the versatile Indra Putra Mahyuddin who joins Kelantan last year.

Despite the ruthless Kelantan frontline, Kedah too have their own deadly strike force in the likes of Badrol Bakhtiar and Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen both are the members of Malaysian current U-23 squad. Kedah will certainly banking on the duo to deliver the goods at Stadium Darulaman tonight before they travel to Kota Bharu for the return leg on Saturday.

Writer verdict - it will close encounter a draw is certainly on the card.