Felda United coach dedicates FA Cup achievement to Felda settlers

Felda United head coach Irfan Bakti dedicated the team's success in making it to the final of the FA Cup on June 7, to the Felda settlers for their continuous support.

"We have made it to the final of the FA Cup and I want to dedicate the success to the Felda settlers for their support," he said when met after holding Kelantan to a 2-2 draw in the second leg FA Cup semifinal at the Shah Alam Stadium last night.

The 2-2 draw saw Felda United and Kelantan finish the two legs with a 5-5 aggregate score but Felda advanced on away goals rule by virtue of their 3-3 against Kelantan at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium on May 6.

Felda will now face Pahang in the FA Cup final after Pahang edged star-studded Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-1 on aggregate after the two legs.

Speaking of his team's chances in the final, Irfan said Pahang under the guidance of former international Zainal Abidin Hassan would be tough opponent, especially with the return to fitness by Liberian import Zah Rahan Krangar from injury.

"What we need to do now is to be physically and mentally strong. The players must not lose concentration," said Irfan.

Kelantan Head Coach, George Boateng on the other hand said, he was very disappointed with the result despite his side having created a couple of goal scoring chances, especially in the second half.

"We played an open game and breached their defence several times ...I can't blame the players because they played very hard and did everything that I've asked for but we lost due to a fluke goal (by Felda United FC)," Boateng said.