Goal at last: Negeria’s Abdeen Temitope finally scored after nine matches playing for Penang.
PETALING JAYA: Despite his status as interim coach, Akmal Rizal Rakhli will remember his Super League debut as a head coach for a long time.
His side Penang came from behind to beat Pahang 3-2 in the Super League at the City Stadium in Georgetown yesterday.
It was a sweet victory as the club ended their seven-game winless run in the Super League since July.
Akmal said it was the fighting spirit that made him the happiest.
“I made changes to the line-up, there was a mix of new and old players, new ones are those from the MFL Cup squad. I have to say I am happy with their commitment for the 90 minutes,” said the former national striker.
“The fighting spirit is always there and we showed it in abundance against the Pahang Elephants. With that spirit, we can beat anyone.
Th visitors got the lead in the 19th minute when playmaker Sergio Aguero crossed from the right and it was finished off by Brazilian striker Rafael Silva, who used his hips to tap the ball past Haziq Mukriz Hasemuddin.
Penang Panthers equalised five minutes later when winger Adib Abdul Raop’s corner was finished off by Nigerian striker Abdeen Temitope, who finally broke his goalscoring duck after nine matches.
In the second-half, Pahang regained the lead when wingback Syazwan Andik benefited from a loose defensive clearance from Penang and unleashed a beautiful right-footed shot from outside the box.
Penang, despite being supported by a handful of fans, did not give up and got their second goal through Temitope in the 63rd minute.
The winner from Penang was a beauty when young midfielder Izzat Zikri Izuriddin unleashed a venomous volley from 25 metres to secure their first win since July.
Akmal said Temitope’s form wasn’t a surprise as he believed the goals would come.
“When I took over the team, I called Abdeen and told him he has the quality to be a striker. I helped him gain confidence and he repaid that faith, which is good.
“Now he has his rhythm and will be delivering in the upcoming games.
“Izzat helped me a lot in the MFL Cup, so I knew his quality would be good for me. He got the winning goal, well deserved.”
Penang are now 10th in the league with 23 points from 24 games while Pahang are fifth with 44 points from 24 matches.
