KL’s new legend: Kuala Lumpur’s Paulo Josue (right) is congratulated by Giancarlo Gallifuoco after scoring against Kedah in their Super League match. Josue’s brace in the 5-0 win saw him become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, breaking Fandi Ahmad’s record of 67. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur showed no mercy against a Kedah side that had to field Under-23 players in their Super League match at the Cheras Football Stadium on Saturday.
Due to their salary arrears, the Canaries’ first-team players refused to join the training or match-day squad and left their coach Nafuzi Zain with no choice but to use their youngest line-up ever in a league match.
The City Boys took full advantage, romping to a 5-0 win with captain and playmaker Paulo Josue netting a brace in the 49th and 58th minutes to become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals – bettering Fandi Ahmad’s previous mark of 67.
KL’s other strikes came via Bosnian winger Jovan Motika (14th minute) and midfielder Zhafri Yahya (26th).
Kedah centreback Hazrie Balqief Zulhadi scored an own goal in the 23rd minute.
KL coach Miroslav Kuljanac said he was proud of his players despite beating an inexperienced side.
He also highlighted the fact that KL also had financial issues of their own but their players were true professionals who play on and try to win games despite the setbacks.
“Our players play on and try to win matches despite the financial issues which I hope can be resolved as soon as possible. We understand Kedah’s plight and their players are in a difficult situation,’’ said Kuljanac.
He was also thrilled to see Josue set a new record at the club.
“Paulo deserves this for his consistent displays. He is also the leading scorer for us this season with seven goals so far.’’
KL are now ninth in the league with eight points.
