Johor PG hope for better luck with Chile hitman
JOHOR BARU: Premier League strugglers Johor PBT Pasir Gudang have off-loaded their under-performing Nigerian striker Tembo Masauso and have replaced him with Chilean hitman Ivan Cesar Asenjo.
The 25-year-old Asenjo, however, is not likely to see action when Johor PG take on newcomers Kuala Muda Naza of Kedah in the FA Cup quarter-final, first leg match at the Larkin Stadium here tonight.
Said Johor FA executive secretary Wan Nizam Wan Omar: "We have already registered Asenjo with the FA of Malaysia, but are still waiting for his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from his previous Indonesian League club Persim Maros. We will definitely field him if the ITC arrives in time for the match."
Johor PG's two other foreigners are Nigerian Aiyajuyoni Emola and Brazilian Douglas Santos. Both of them will take the field against Kuala Muda. It has been a disappointing season in the Premier League for Johor PG, who are still in the relegation zone despite a 2-0 win over Armed Forces at home last Friday.
The win saw Johor PG move up to eighth in the 11-team Premier League with 14 points ? just two points more than bottom side Armed Forces and 10th-placed KL Plus. Kuala Muda are in ninth spot, also with 14 points but with an inferior goal difference.
Wan Nizam warned his side not to take Kuala Muda for granted.
Johor PG could only manage a 1-1 draw against Kuala Muda when the two clashed in a league match at the Larkin Stadium on Jan 19.
"We have to win at home and not concede a goal with the new ruling on away goals. Kuala Muda may be newcomers to the competition but it does not make our task any easier. They have proven to be a tough nut to crack and to have reached the (FA Cup) quarter-finals speaks volumes of their capabilities," said Wan Nizam.
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