The 2014 Malaysia Cup competition will begin in earnest today with the holders, Pahang taking on Premier League side, JDT II at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan in Group A.
After a good Super League campaign when they challenged for the title all the way until the last week, The Elephants are keen to start their defence of the cup on the right note.
Head coach, Zainal Abidin Hassan definitely wants to show the he has the capability to bring more glory to Pahang after winning the FA Cup earlier this season.
Premier League side, JDT II would definitely give their best in order to disrupt the home side's plan and it could be an explosive affair given the history between the two states in football in recent times.
Felda United which lost to Pahang in the FA Cup final are equally determined to embark on another good run in the Malaysia Cup. However, they will have to overcome the Lions XII at the Jalan Besar Stadium in order to do that.
With head coach, Irfan Bakti already stating that he has rectified the weaknesses in his team, especially the defence. However, the Lions which had an indifferent season in the Super League will definitely be fired up in front of their home crowd to open their Malaysia Cup campaign on a positive note.
However, the attention of the majority of football fans tonight will be in Johor Bahru where the home side, JDT take on Kelantan in Group C.
After securing the league title on the last day, JDT now under the guidance of former Kelantan head coach, Bojan Hodak look more settled and it would be hard for The Stags to achieve a good result.
However, George Boateng's boys could spring a surprise if their opponents take them lightly. The visitors will be without the service of their Egyptian midfielder, Ahmad Shawky who is still in his country due to personal problems.
Another Group C match will see the Armed Forces taking on Penang in Selayang. Sathianathan Bathumalai boys would not be seen as favourites after their mixed league campaign which suit them better as they will take to the field with no pressure at all.
Many football fans see Premier League side, Penang as nothing more than a spoiler in this group but a good start to their Malaysia Cup campaign could see The Panthers the initiative to be more than that.
Tomorrow Sarawak will host Terengganu in Group B with both teams are equally determined to make their mark in this year's Malaysia Cup campaign.
After being disappointed by Felda United in the last four of the FA Cup, The Crocodiles knew it is essential to do well in the competition in order to satisfy their fans demands of success.
The Turtles on the other hand also know they have to do well, especially after disappointing their fans with an early exit in the FA Cup and inconsistent showing in the league campaign despite having what many describe as an almost dream squad this season.
Kedah on the other hand, are trying to make up for their disappointment of missing promotion to the Super League. They travel to Ipoh to take on Perak which also keen to make up for a bad season which saw them escaping relegation on the last day of the season.
The most successful side in the competition, Selangor will open their Group D campaign in Kuala Terengganu against the relegated T-Team Titans.
Mehmet Durakovic whose side were denied the Super League title on the last day of the season will be looking forward to a successful campaign and a win over the home side will ease them on their way.
The Titans will be quite unpredictable after the departure of Azraai Khor Abdullah just weeks before the start of the campaign. New head coach, Annuar Abu Bakar however his boys already showing improvements during training to give him some confidence of their capabilities.
In the group other match, Sime Darby will take on Premier League champions, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) at the Selayang Stadium. It would be fair to say both sides have equal chances of having a successful Malaysia Cup campaign given their performance in the league this season.
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