Kedah coach remains confident

DESPITE their 4-1 defeat to Selangor in the Charity Shield match at theDarulaman Stadium in Alor Star, Kedah coach Azraai Khor remains confidentfor tomorrow's Malaysia Super League match against Negri Sembilan at theParoi Stadium. Even though Azraai, who was surprised with the scoreline of Saturday'smatch, believes his boys will pull themselves together and rise to theoccasion. "I never expected such a score as the match was evenly contested," saidAzraai. "All three goals were flukes, but Safee Sali's strike was aclassic. But the competition has just started and there is still a longway to go." Azraai is expected to rest national goalkeeper Mohd Helmi Eliza fortomorrow's match as his form has been shaken after he was beaten threetimes on Saturday. Helmi, who also had a poor run in the recent Asean Championship inPhuket, seems to be suffering from a confidence crisis. "I will give hima rest as at the moment his confidence level is at an all time low.Thereare certain issues he needs to address before being fielded again," saidAzraai. Reserve keeper Muhammad Al-Hafiz Hamzah, who played in the second halfagainst Selangor, will be in the Kedah line-up. While Kedah will be sorting out their problems, Selangor are walkingtall after Saturday's impressive win. "It was a good start for us, and wehope this will continue. But as usual, we will take one match at a time,"said Selangor coach K. Devan. Perak, now coached by M. Karathu, collected three points when they beatMSL newcomers Kuala Muda Naza 3-0 at the Perak Stadium. Penang, as expected, lost 3-0 to Negri Sembilan at the City Stadium.UPB MyTeam,unimpressive last season, got off to a flying start with a 3-0win against Police at the Paroi Stadium. Terengganu lost 3-2 to Perlis at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in KualaTerengganu, while Johor FC edged Pahang 3-2 at the Darulmakmur Stadium inKuantan.