malaysiang
GEORGE TOWN, Losing 0-1 to Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC at home in their fourth Super League match last night was a major blow for Penang FC, especially as they will face the same team in the first leg of the FA Cup quarter-finals next week.
However, head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli said the Panthers are determined to bounce back with a better performance to appease loyal fans who are eager to see their team secure their first win after three consecutive league draws.
Akmal acknowledged that there are many weaknesses to address, particularly in the attack, as well as minor mistakes by the players that led to their failure to capitalise on numerous opportunities to score.
“The players performed well, but a slight lapse and mistakes led to our defeat tonight (last night).
“Based on this result, there are certainly many weaknesses we need to fix ahead of the next match against Kedah (in the FA Cup). We need to plan well to ensure we have a chance to advance to the semifinals,” he told the post-match press c
onference at the City Stadium here last night.
The 42-year-old coach also admitted that the absence of Brazilian import striker Rodrigo Dias due to injury somewhat affected the team’s performance but hopes the player will be able to return to action soon as he has recovered but is not yet fully fit.
Nevertheless, he is optimistic that Dias can lead the attack with a week remaining before the next match.
Meanwhile, KDA FC head coach Nafuzi Zain was pleased with the outcome that favoured his team, giving them a morale boost for upcoming matches.
“Penang FC posed a threat to KDA FC throughout the 90 minutes, but the win and three points are crucial as they give us a chance to compete with the top teams (in the league).
“Even so, there is a lot of homework to be done to improve our game. We have a week to train before the FA Cup next week,” he said.
In last night’s match, substitute striker from Ghana, Ebenezer Assifuah, became the hero for KDA FC after scoring the winning goal in the 78th minute, handing P
enang FC their first defeat after three consecutive draws.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
