PETALING JAYA: When a former striker is hired as a coach, one would expect goals to flow. That isn’t the case in Penang.
Former national striker Akmal Rizal Rakhli was known for his predatory instinct and goals during his playing days but wished his Penang charges could replicate his past form.
The Northern club have been struggling up front this season, with one goal from four Super League games, and just one from four FA Cup matches.
The lone goalscorer in the league is Brazilian striker Rodrigo Dias, who only played the first two league games and missed the other two due to injury.
He returned for the FA Cup quarter-final second-leg fixture against Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium last weekend but could not help his team get to the next stage as they lost 0-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
Akmal admits their shortcoming.
“We’ve done lots of drills on how to finish well during training, and we have players who are capable of scoring but it isn’t happening the games,” said Akmal.
“Maybe it’s lack of confidence or pressure but I’m confident they will be able to score again.”
For the upcoming transfer window, which opens on Aug 22, Akmal said they would be adding one local and one foreign strikers.
“I want someone who can score goals. I’ve been looking at several candidates from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Japan, South Korea and Australia.”
As for Dias, Akmal said his position was safe for now.
“He has some games to prove his worth. Now that he has returned to full fitness, we hope he can do something because he is an important player,” said Akmal.
Penang’s next game is against Perak in the Super League, where they will face them at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh on Saturday.
They are currently 10th in the league with two points from four matches.
