PETALING JAYA: Kelantan Red Warriors coach Irfan Bakti saluted his players for standing toe-to-toe with Brunei and holding them to a 1-1 draw before bowing out 1-3 on aggregate in the Malaysia Cup round of 16.

The spirited display also drew praises from Brunei coach Jamie McAllister.

“I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m very proud of my local boys,” said Irfan, whose side are playing in the A1 Semi-Pro League.