Nafuzi targets break to fix Terengganu's defensive weaknesses after FA Cup exit

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu paid the price for their own mistakes as they were knocked out of the FA Cup following a 3-1 first round, second-leg defeat to DPMM at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium yesterday.

The visitors overturned a 3-2 first-leg deficit to advance to the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

Danial Asri, Miguel Oliveira and Jordan Murray scored for the Brunei-based side, while Manuel Ott netted for Terengganu.

Terengganu coach Nafuzi Zain was disappointed but still praised his players' effort.

"Overall, the players played quite well and created many chances. However, our own mistakes allowed the opposition to score," he said after the match.

"I am very disappointed that we failed to reach the quarter-finals, but what is important is that the players gave their best.".

Nafuzi said the team started well, but noted that defensive weaknesses in absorbing pressure must be addressed immediately.

"In the early stages of the game, we played well. But defensively, in terms of handling pressure, we need to improve," said Nafuzi.

"The two second-half goals also stemmed from our own errors while attacking. We lost possession and the opponents counter-attacked. That was our weakness, giving them space to score."

Nafuzi added that the long break will be used to evaluate the team's performance and address weaknesses.

"Our hope is that this extended break will allow us to reassess the team and identify what needs improvement to ensure we are better prepared for upcoming matches."