PENANG coach Merzagua Abderrazzak will rely on his new strike partnership for goals when the FAM Cup runaway league leaders take on Kuantan FA at the Darulmakmur Stadium tomorrow night.Strikers Haslan Abu Hassan and Muhammad Aminuddin, who were signed during the mid-season transfer window, made their debut in Penang’s 2-1 derby win over PBAPP FC on April 28.
Although both strikers did not score in the top-of-the-table clash, Merzagua is happy with their contribution.
“I feel that both the forwards did well although it was just their first competitive match with Penang.
“Prior to Haslan’s arrival, we lacked a strong physical presence upfront. He is able to pressure the opposing defence and provide an aerial threat in the box. This was lacking in the team during the first half of the season,” said Merzagua of the signing from Nibong Tebal FA.
Although the former Kedah Malays forward Aminuddin was guilty of some stray passes and often unable to get into good positions against PBAPP, the Penang coach has faith in him.
“Aminuddin has a strong workrate and he can only get better once he settles down and plays on the same wavelength with his team-mates.
“Having these two new strikers will boost our push for promotion and the FAM Cup title,” added the coach.
Prior to the duo’s arrival, Penang had relied on the injury-prone Norizan Salaman and the nippy pairing of Mohd Baser Napae and Khairul Anwar Idris upfront.
Penang have collected a maximum 33 points from their 11 matches and are on course to capture the 11-team third-tier league championship in record time.
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