Kedah hoping for history to repeat itself tonight

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Kedah captain Khairul Helmi Johari and his JDT counterpart Mohd Shafiq Rahim go face-to-face while holding the Malaysia Cup trophy during a press conference at Stadium Shah Alam yesterday. Kedah and Super League champions JDT will play in the Malaysia Cup final tonight. — Bernama photo

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia Cup defending champions Kedah are hoping for history to repeat itself at their favourite hunting ground – Shah Alam Stadium – so as to enjoy another fruitful harvest when facing Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final, tonight.

Kedah head coach Nidzam Adzha Yusoff said after two memorable wins in the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup finals at the Shah Alam Stadium, there was every reason to believe Kedah would be third time lucky as well.

“We are playing our third consecutive final at the Shah Alam Stadium. It has become our favourite venue and a lucky one too. We are hoping for a repeat of history tomorrow,” he told reporters during a pre-match press conference at the Shah Alam Stadium yesterday.

However, the 49-year-old former Kedah stalwart and international feels it won’t be an easy passage since JDT have a formidable strikeforce although the absence of Marcos Antonio who is a pillar of strength in the JDT defence will provide some consolation.

“We have to take advantage of his absence and make use of the chances created because JDT are a very good side. One look at the statistics will reveal that they (JDT) have a very impressive scoring record. The final will be a big task for us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kedah skipper Khairul Helmi Johari feels both teams are evenly matched

although Kedah has a slight advantage if two previous encounters are taken into account.

“We played JDT twice this season (one win one draw), but both teams are evenly matched. Only the best team on the day will win. I hope the players will rise to the occasion to make it another historic victory,” he said. — Bernama