Penang FC’s Tactical Lapse Cost them 0-3 Season Opener Loss To Terengganu

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 11 (Bernama) — Penang FC head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail admitted his team’s failure to maintain tactical discipline in the second half led to their 0-3 defeat against Terengganu FC in the 2025/2026 Super League opener last night.

He praised his players for executing their game plan well in the first half, controlling the tempo and creating scoring chances. However, everything unraveled after conceding the first goal.

“Our players showed great tactical discipline in the first half, successfully stifling the opposition’s attacks. What we planned and trained for was well executed, but unfortunately, we couldn’t sustain it for the full 90 minutes.

“After the first goal, the team lost its rhythm and started making simple mistakes. That early goal was too easy for the opponents and it somewhat killed our fighting spirit. When the second goal came, whatever hope we had to bounce back disappeared,” Wan Rohaimi said.

Despite his disappointment, the coach vowed to use the remaining two days before their next match to regroup and get the team back on track.

The 49-year-old coach said the team’s focus now shifts to injury recovery and correcting mistakes ahead of their away clash against Melaka FC this Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Terengganu FC head coach Badrul Afzan Razali described the three points secured in the match as highly significant, especially given the challenge of winning away from home.

However, he cautioned his players not to become complacent, reminding them that the league had just begun and a long season lay ahead.

“Overall, I’m satisfied with the team’s performance as they followed the game plan closely.

“Although we won 3-0, there were still some errors that cost us chances to score, particularly in the second half. Nevertheless, we thank the players and will work on improving these areas in the upcoming matches,” he said.

Earlier at the Stadium Bandaraya, the Terengganu squad, known as the Penyu, dominated Penang FC with three unanswered goals, dashing the Harimau Kumbang’s hopes of securing their first home victory.

All goals came in the second half, scored by Azam Azmi Murad, Gabriel Silva and substitute Mohamad Khalai’f Mohd Naskam in the 49th, 54th, and 89th minutes, respectively.

—BERNAMA