KOTA BHARU, Oct 31 (Bernama) — Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is expecting the Malaysia Cup final between his team and Pahang this Sunday at the Shah Alam Stadium to go on extra time, with the winner decided through penalty shootout.
The man fondly known as 'Apek' to his countless fans, said he was ready both mentally and physically for any eventuality, including the match to possibly go beyond 90 minutes.
"In the final, we should be ready to be in action for more than 90 minutes. I will also enhance my skills in anticipation of a penalty shootout," he said when met here today.
The national goalkeeper said the Kelantan midfield and defence needed to mark three lethal Pahang strikers, namely Mathias Conti, Azamuddin Akil and R. Gopinathan who could deliver the winning goal.
Khairul Fahmi said, apart from the strikers, several Pahang midfielders should also be monitored as they were the 'backbone', capable of creating dangerous passes to the strikers.
"Therefore, training in the last days before the final is crucial to put the strategy of coach Bojan Hodak into action.
"The Kelantan defence should be ready for the deadly cross-passes of Pahang which have sunk many other teams," he added.
Commenting on the absence of defender Obinna Nwaneri who collected two yellow cards in the earlier matches, he said the player replacing him must work hard to protect Kelantan.
"Nonetheless, I am confident our experience and fanatic fans will give us the edge in the final game." – BERNAMA