Last season, Kelantan bagged the title by beating Klang Valley giants, Selangor, 2-0, in a one sided match at the Shah Alam Stadium. Come 2012, the East Coast giants, who nailed the Super League title last year will vie against 'The Deers', Negeri Sembilan. Negeri Sembilan, who came back to beat Terengganu in last season's Malaysia Cup final will be ushering a new era as they have lost most of their key players for this season.
Kelantan, who have kept most of their key players from last season will be the favourites for this tie as they have got a formidable squad and seasoned foreigners in their side. Led by new coach, Peter James Butler, Kelantan will be looking to nail their first title as Tan Sri Annuar Musa, the President of Kelantan FA has urged the team to win all the trophies that theyr are competing in.
Negeri Sembilan, who ended their season by winning the Malaysia Cup, have gone through major changes this season as most of their key players have left for new clubs. Th Abdul Razak twins, Zaquan Adha and Aidil Zafuan, Hairuddin Omar, Irwan Fadly Idrus and Farizal Harun have left the 'Hoben Jang Hoben' side for Premier League side, ATM. These players were pivotal towards the team's success in the Malaysia Cup and losing them is a bitter pill to swallow for most of the fans.
To replace those players, Azraai Khor Abdullah has roped in many youngsters into the squad. Known for his penchant to develop young players, the 59 year old coach signed promising striker, Ahmad Shakir Ali and midfielders, Mohd Bukhairi Idris and V.Parameswaran. Azraai, who was the catalyst for the success of Baddrol Bakhtiar, Khyril Muhymeen and Safiq Jamal will continue weaving his magic as Ahmad Shakir Ali has proven his worth by banging in the goals in their pre season games. The team will only have one foreign player in the side as Marquen Goncalves's registration was rejected by FAM.Cameroon striker, Emmanuel Offa Owona will be spearhead the attack with Ahmad Shakir Ali as the former Hatta Club forward has been compared with the likes of Christian Bekamenga and Abdulrazak Ekpoki, who have been a phenomenal success during their stint with the 'Deers'.
This time, the likes of Shahurain Abu Samah, Tengku Qayyum Ubaidullah, S.Kunanlan and skipper, Mohd Shukor Adan will be the main players for this young side. Shukor Adan, has been a mainstay in the team since 2009 and he has been one of the best performers in the side. National winger, Shahurain Abu Samah and S.Kunanlan will be architects for the team's attacks as they have to been at their best when facing the likes of Daudsu Jamaluddin and Abdul Aziz Ismail.
Many will think that this will be a one sided tie, but if the youngsters in Negeri Sembilan show their 'A' game, then we are bound to see a feast. Both sides, know for their attacking style will surely want this title as it will be a tonic for them to play in the Super League. Azraai Khor would want to win this title as he wants to prove that their Malaysia Cup success was no fluke, whereas, Peter Butler wants to start off his 2nd stint with Kelantan by bagging the Sultan Ahmad Shah cup for the 'Red Warriors' fans.
Kelantan's probable first eleven line up(4-4-2)
Khairul Fahmi Che Mat(GK),Daudsu Jamaluddin(DR),S.Subramaniam(DC),Azizi Mat Rose(DC),Aziz Ismail(DL),Norfarhan Mohammad(MR),Badhri Radzi(MC)(C),Syakir Shaari(MC),Indra Putra Mahayuddin(ML)Norshahrul Idlan Talaha(FW)Mohammad Ghaddar(FW)
Negeri Sembilan's probable first eleven line up(4-4-2)
Mohd Farizal Marlias(GK), Tengku Qayyum Ubaidullah(DL), Norhafiz Zamani Misbah(DC), G.Mahathevan(DC), Qhairul Anwar Roslani(DR), S.Kunanlan(ML), Idris Karim(MC), Shukor Adan(MC)(C), Shahurain Abu Samah(MR), Emmanuel Offa Owona(FW), Ahmad Shakir Ali(FW)
Player to watch(Kelantan)
S.Subramaniam
One of the most underrated defenders in the league, the 26 year old has been a mainstay in Kelantan's defence. One of the pillars in the Super League campaign, expect him to shut the likes of Owona and Shakir. Having impressed in the Unity Cup, the man who is known for silencing the likes of Fernando Torres and Mario Barisic will surely be on his toes for this game.
Player to watch(Negeri Sembilan)
Mohd Shukor Adan
At the age of 32, he is one of the best midfielders in Malaysia and he is a versatile lad, having played from defense to attack. One of the catalyst for last season's Malaysia Cup victory, the Malacca born player will be the main man for this tie. One of the shining lights in last season's dismal campaign bar the Malaysia Cup, he will be tasked to move the midfield and provide the telling passes for Shahurain and Kunanlan. Kelantan should wary of him during set pieces as he has proven to be one of the best free kick takers in the Malaysian league.
Expect him to lead the youngsters in this game as Azraai will want his 'numero uno' to be at his best for this tie.
Stadium: National Stadium, Bukit Jalil
Date: 7 January 2012
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