Benjamin Mora believes his high-flying Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) side are ready to return to the top of Malaysia Super League (MSL) with victory against Kelantan on Wednesday after a timely return to form.
The Southern Tigers tore Melaka United apart 7-0 in the MSL on Sunday to move within two points of Pahang and Kedah, with a game in hand.
The three-time defending champions ran amok at Larkin Stadium to snap a run of consecutive defeats at the hands of Pahang and Global FC in the FA Cup and AFC Cup earlier this month.
JDT were back at their swashbuckling best against Melaka, with captain Safiq Rahim bagging a treble.
Mora wants them to continue in the same winning vein against Kelantan to move above Pahang and Kedah.
Three points against Kelantan, who are in mid-table, would take JDT to 20 points for a one-point lead in the MSL.
"If we win the game against Kelantan, it will put us at the top of the standings," Mora reminded fans via the Southern Tigers Facebook page.
"In my opinion, the players are getting more motivated that I feel we have got back in the right direction. We will face Kelantan with the team fully prepared. We need to play well to ensure we get top spot, we cannot waste this opportunity."
JDT will make the journey to Kota Bharu for an encounter that was rescheduled due to their AFC Champions League qualifying commitments in February.
Meanwhile, FIFA Puskas winner Faiz Subri was thankful that his Penang side finally kick started their MSL campaign with 1-0 triumph against Felda United on Sunday.
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The victory came at their ninth attempt after two draws and six defeats saw the premature exit of Ashley Westwood, with ex-Selangor boss Zainal Abidin Hassan taking over.
"It was a valuable three points earned. Thanks to all those who came and supported Penang last night," the forward posted on his Instagram page after Penang took a first step towards getting off the bottom of the table.
Faiz, who started in an attacking role just behind striker Nigel Dabingyaba, had hardly featured under Westwood, who questioned his match fitness.
Penang will next be in MSL action on Saturday, at home to Kelantan.