First strike: KL’s Paulo Josue scoring past Penang goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman during their Super League match at the Cheras Football Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur are going great guns.
Just a few days after beating Indonesia’s Borneo Samarinda 1-0 in the Asean Club Championships, they hammered Penang 4-2 in the Super League at the Cheras Football Stadium yesterday.
It was a victory to savour for Kuala Lumpur and their coach Miroslav Kuljanac sang praises for all his players for putting up a valiant performance.
Winger Haqimi Azim Rosli starred with two goals in the 54th and 74th minute while striker and captain Paulo Josue scored the first goal in the ninth minute. Bosnian winger Jovan Motika netted the second in the 22nd minute.
Penang’s goals were scored by Adib Abd Raop in the third minute and Brazilian striker Rodrigo Dias in the 62nd minute.
Kuljanac was happy to see his team bounce back from 0-1 down quickly and then smash their opponents with a fine tactical performance.
“Everyone that played did their job well. Despite us going behind early, we fought back with character. I was worried that my players would be mentally and physically impacted after the Borneo game but we were wonderful,” said the Croatian.
“You know about our financial problems, we hope it will end when the congress is finalised. For now, we will work on and do what we do best.”
Haqimi, who is usually a starter, came on in the second half and proved to be a real livewire with his direct runs.
Kuljanac said there was a reason why he played him as a substitute.
“It is tactical. You know the intensity of the game is dropping, so we needed someone with power and pace, and with a tiring defence, he exploited the spaces well and got goals.
“Paulo played well also, then we have our defenders working hard and then the midfielders like Kenny (Pallraj), Brendan (Gan) and Zhafri (Yahya) working their socks off.”
Kuala Lumpur are now eighth in the league with 11 points while Penang are 10th with 11 points, but separated by goal difference.
