PETALING JAYA: Brazilian striker Willian Lira showed his high value to Kedah when they badly needed a win in their Super League clash with Negri Sembilan on Friday.
The Canaries were desperate for three points, having lost their last two games against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) (0-6) and Kuala Lumpur (2-3).
And Lira literally rose to the occasion with two headed goals in the 30th and 72nd minutes to lift Kedah to a 2-1 win at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
The Deer replied through Zainal Abidin Jamil in the 35th minute.
Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain was delighted with Lira’s performance, saying that he adapted well to the wet pitch to deliver for the team.
“In the last game, Lira was on the bench. But today, he started and repaid my faith in him. It was hard playing on a wet pitch after a downpour, but it wasn’t an issue for him and he gave a great display,’’ said Nafuzi.
“And It’s nice to see him scoring two goals after all the pressure he was under earlier. He really made the fans happy.’’
Nafuzi admitted that his side could not play their usual possession football as he needed a cautious and calculated game plan to unlock K. Devan’s solid side.
“We had to be disciplined and patient, and capitalised on counter-attacks.
‘‘We also pressed hard to win the ball and took our chances well.’’
Kedah are fifth in the standings with 19 points, while Negri are ninth with 10 points.
