Negri must cope with suspensions as they battle Penang for the title

What say you on the issue below?

VISITORS Negri Sembilan will have to cope with several suspensions and an injury in an away decider against hosts Penang in the Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) Cup final scheduled at the State Stadium in Batu Kawan on Sept 26.

They will be missing a key player each in three of the outfield departments on the pitch due to suspensions in their quest for supremacy in the annual affair.

The trio are young defender Gan Jay Han, captain Chung Chee Wai and reliable striker Ng Choon Yiap as they have been penalised for misconduct in their semi-final encounter against Johor.

In addition, midfielder Chow Kai Chong is also a doubtful starter after he picked up a serious right arm injury in the second leg semi-final 1-0 win at home.

Earlier, Negri Sembilan took a one goal lead in the opening leg when Lim Choon Wee netted the goal from a freekick.

Danger man: Ooi Beng Kuei (in blue) leaping over a Perak defender in their first leg match-up

In the return leg at Paroi, Negri Sembilan, booked their place for the final on a 2-0 aggregate victory.

Negri Sembilan’s Kow Kuan Weng connected a freekick coming from Lim in front of the halfway mark to beat the on rushing Johor goalkeeper Koh Joon Sim, who failed to cut off the threatening attempt.

Despite the setback, Negri Sembilan coach Khoo Wai Leong said it would be an even contest against the northern side.

“We will be up against a strong team with the home ground advantage. But, we have a solid and balanced side. And, we are banking on the substitutes to rise to occasion.

“Most of them have featured for us in the four finals over the past five seasons. We can handle the pressure at the crucial stage as most of the seasoned campaigners can be fielded to play in various positions. It will not affect our strategy,” he added.

However, they will need to find a potent replacement for Ng as a clinical finisher up front.

“He played a vital role in getting us so far. He scored three important goals in our campaign this season.

“We are expecting the striker coming in for him to deliver.

“On the back line, the four defenders have been displaying the quality combined with an outstanding goalkeeper (Chong Tze Yuan) in marshalling the defence,” Khoo said.

Meanwhile, favourites Penang were living dangerously against last year’s semi-finalists Perak in the return encounter at Stadium Perak in Ipoh.

Going into the match with a 2-0 advantage from the match, Penang took only five minutes to go ahead with an early goal from captain Ooi Beng Kuei.

Although the chips were down, Perak did not throw in the towel and were rewarded with two late goals through Cheong Kong Yan and Wan Kar Fai in the 72nd and 86th minute respectively.

But Perak’s late fightback was not enough to prevent Penang from advancing and have a go at lifting the trophy.