Home crowd may be Perak’s ‘12th player’ in quarters clash with FT

PERAK legend Chan Wing Hoong is banking on the home crowd to rally his players when they take on Federal Territories ( FT) in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) football quarter-finals at the Manjung City Council Stadium today.

The defending champions drew 1-1 with Sarawak and Perlis before beating Negri Sembilan 1-0 in their final Group A match on Thursday.

Wing Hoong said FT, coached by another former international Khalid Shahdan, would be tricky opponents.

“Initially, our players were very nervous playing in front of the sell-out crowd but now I think they are used to it as they are starting to play to their abilities,” said the former international.

“The team need the fans’ support to topple FT in the quarter-finals. FT are a very strong team as they have several former national youth players in their ranks.

“They also have a very good coach in Khalid, he was a top national player. He’s a very experienced youth coach so I believe he will have plans for the match against us.”

FT advanced to the quarter-finals following a 1-0 win over Johor and a 1-1 draw with Terengganu.

Wing Hoong said teamwork would be the key against FT.

“On paper, they have strong players like S. Thipanraj and Tan Yung Hong who have played with the national youth teams but I think our home advantage can make a difference.”