Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) captain, Safiq Rahim sees the Southern Tigers having an even chance to lift the Malaysia Cup when they face defending champions, Kedah in the final at Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.
The national squad midfield ace said JDT are ready and the players are in high morale for the showdown.
"I believe if we give 100 per cent in our preparations, we would reap the best result.
"For me, all players are eager to win and we want Malaysia Cup to be with JDT," said Safiq who was quoted in the JDT: Johor Southern Tigers official Facebook site.
Safiq was in the team when JDT emerged as Malaysia Cup runners-up in 2014, reminded his teammates not to underestimate the Red Hawks who have proved themselves to be the worthy reigning champions.
"What is important is our tactical game. If we follow as planned during training, Insya-Allah we could overcome Kedah," he added.
Sharing Safiq's views is Natxo Insa who is confident the Southern Tigers could add Malaysia Cup to their collection, after having retained the Super League title for the fourth consecutive season since 2014.
"I know it's a tough game because the chances of winning for both teams are 50-50 but we're still confident of winning. We will give our best to win the match."
"We have the chance to win two trophies for this season. We want to rejoice with the fans and strive to win the trophy. We have good players and will focus for the whole 90 minutes, display the passion and enjoy the game," added Insa who has a link here through his Malaysian grandmother.
Kedah advanced to the final after beating Felda United on 3-1 aggregate in the semi-finals while JDT blasted Perak 4-1 on aggregate for the other slot.
On record, both teams met twice this season which saw Kedah winning 5-4 on penalty kicks after both teams drew 1-1 in the Charity Shield match at Larkin Stadium on Jan 20.
In the second encounter at Darul Aman Stadium on Oct 28, both teams played to a goalless draw.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Nov 03 2017

Safiq reminded his teammates not to underestimate the Red Hawks who have proved themselves to be the worthy reigning champions. - FILEpic

China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.

Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.

Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.

UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.

Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.

More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.

Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.

Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream [COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.

Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.

Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.

US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.

Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.

Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.

China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.

Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.

Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts
Concerns grow over transparency, oversight, and Musk's influence on government operations.