Football: Canaries won’t expect smooth flight against Panthers in George Town

PETALING JAYA: Kedah are ready to take flight again after ending their two-game losing streak in the domestic tournament.

The Canaries thrashed Bukit Tambun 5-0 in the FA Cup last 16 at Stadium Darul Aman last week to show that they are back to winning ways. And they want to keep the momentum going.

Before the FA Cup win, Kedah lost their last two league matches to Selangor (0-1) and Perak (0-2).

They will face Penang in the Super League today at the City Stadium in George Town.

The Panthers have so far drawn three games in the league, holding the likes of Sabah (0-0), Terengganu (0-0) and Police (1-1) and were held 1-1 by Pahang in the FA Cup (won 4-3 in penalty shootout).

Coach Nafuzi Zain says they will be ready to face their northern neighbours.

“We know Penang have improved a lot, they are undefeated. They are in high spirits. We have to be focused especially against their foreigners, who can be game winners on their day,” said Nafuzi.

“We have no injuries or suspensions. We will decide who to field between our strikers (Ebenezer) Assifuah and Milos (Gordic). We have to have the right tactics.’’

Meanwhile, Penang coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli said the win against Pahang in the FA Cup was the right tonic to earn their first three points of the season.

“The team’s morale and motivation have doubled after moving to the next round of the FA Cup,” said Akmal.

“Kedah have top local and foreign talents but we will continue doing what we do best – we will work hard to win.”

The return of Brazilian striker Rodrigo Dias, who is fitter now, is expected to galvanise the team.

Penang are lying seventh with three points, while Kedah are 11th without a point.

Even though Kedah won their first game against Police 1-0, they were docked three points due to their failure to settle players’ salary arrears on time.