Fantastic goal: T. Saravanan (carrying teammate) scored the first goal in Pahang’s 2-0 win over Sabah. — FAM pic
PETALING JAYA: Young winger T. Saravanan marked his first time in the starting line-up for Kuala Lumpur with an awe-inspiring goal which steered the City boys to a first win in the Super League on Wednesday.
And the 21-year-old, who plays for the national Under-22 side, strutted his stuff in style by cheekily lobbing the ball over a rushing Sabah goalkeeper Damien Lim in the 15th minute at the Cheras Football Stadium from 20 metres out.
Substitute Sean Gan Gianelli then finished off a pass from fellow substitute Herlison Caion of Brazil in the 95th minute to give KL a 2-0 win over high-riding Sabah.
Saravanan said it was good to get a goal in his first start and hopes it would spur him to do even better in the upcoming games.
“Before the game against Sabah, I was coming off the bench, eager to impress and show what I am capable of. So when I got the chance to start against Sabah, I did not waste the opportunity to impress,” said Saravanan.
“At first, there was a bit of nerve, but when the chance came, I lobbed the ball into goal and it felt good. When I connected with the ball, I just wanted it to go in.
“I am glad to have helped the team get a win. We waited so long to get this. We hope to build this momentum and ensure we move up the standings in the Super League.
“As for my time in Kuala Lumpur, I am slowly building my chemistry and communication-wise with the players.
“The seniors are always guiding and helping out youngster like me.”
KL coach Bojan Hodak was delighted to see his boys getting their first win but knows further improvements need to be made if they want to be better.
“Important three points. Getting the first win is always difficult. We were a little bit unlucky in the first few matches.” said Hodak.
“Finally against Sabah we played well and made few mistakes. We managed to collect the first three points.
“Mentally, the players will have less pressure and can focus on the match against Perak at the Cheras Football Stadium on Monday, with many expecting the home side to take down the Seladang, who lost to Johor Darul Ta’zim 5-0 on Tuesday.
But Hodak is wary of Perak.
“When you win, try not to change anything, but we have to see how Perak play.
“We are unlucky because we are getting opponents that get thrashed by JDT.
“We need to focus and how they play. They will bound to be better against us but we also want to bag another win.”
