PETALING JAYA: Six players snubbed Kedah by not turning up for the match against Kuala Lumpur but that did not stop the rest of the Canaries from winning their first match in the Malaysia Cup.

The team has been hit by financial problems and it came as no surprise when coach Nafuzi Zain was jolted just before kick-off on Friday, when a small group of players boycotted the match at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar.

With just 12 players at his disposal, the former Terengganu coach did his best with his starting eleven and just one substitute.

Despite the serious situation, the friendly coach remained cool and told his charges: “Play with freedom, remember why you are playing in the game and look at the faces of the fans who are here.”

Those words encouraged his men as they claimed a 3-2 victory over City Boys.

Haitian winger Sony Norde produced a captain’s effort for the Canaries when he scored twice in the 27th and 30th minutes, while the third was scored by Uzbekistani winger Sukhrob Nurullaev in the 68th minute.

Kuala Lumpur hit back through midfielder Ryan Lambert (12th) and Bosnian winger Jovan Motika (74th).

With a slim lead going into the second leg at the Cheras Football Stadium on December 1, the win feels special amid their financial woes. Some claimed they had been owed seven months’ wages or even more.

Nafuzi put up a brave front in front of the media and greeted the boys who played yesterday.

“The decision taken by the players was at the last minute, so yes, it was a shock at first. We prepared for this game with a full squad and then there were only 12 available,” he said.

“But I wasn’t too worried. I’m just humble. I knew those who played had given everything. Despite the problems, they did what they wanted, which was to play on.

– This is an experience for me as a coach. I guess I have to face this.”

But he went on to add that the players who boycotted had their reasons for doing so, and he wasn’t mad at them.

– We discussed it in a good way. I understand what they had been through. I can’t blame them at all.”

As for his future, Nafuzi did not want to say much about rumors that he could take over the Malaysia U23 set-up next month.

“Let me enjoy this win with the boys. I’m here now, I’m still with Kedah.”

Norde’s future with the club could soon come to an end, with Nafuzi revealing that clubs have inquired about his services. There are strong rumors linking him to Indonesian club Malut United.

“If he leaves, I respect his decision. He is a quality player and gives top performances week in and week out.

Meanwhile, an unhappy Kuala Lumpur coach Miroslav Kuljanac said his side looked worn out in the match compared to their training form.

“They looked good in training but I wasn’t happy with them during the game. I have to talk to them.

“Our defense was loose and some players were selfish in front of goal. These setbacks need to be addressed,” said the Croatian.