Dylan’s Brace Gives Panthers Comfortable Advantage Against Melaka FC

MELAKA, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Two goals from import striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls ensured Penang FC carried an important advantage after defeating Melaka FC 2-0 in the first leg of the FA Cup Round of 16 at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Krubong here last night.  

Penang FC head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail said the victory served as a morale booster for the Panthers in both the Super League campaign and the return leg at the City Stadium, Penang.  

“Alhamdulillah for this victory... although I am happy, there are still many aspects that need to be improved for the next match and I hope this win will be a ‘booster’ for the players to face upcoming challenges.  

“Usually when playing away, the home team will try to press in the opening minutes... we struggled in the first 15 minutes, but after getting the first goal, the players’ confidence grew and we managed to control the match,” he said after the game.  

The first half saw a balanced contest with both teams exchanging attacks, but Dylan’s 41st-minute strike was disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a foul.  

In the second half, Penang finally broke the deadlock when Dylan scored in the 48th minute, before the import striker struck again in the 82nd minute to seal a 2-0 victory for his team.  

Meanwhile, Melaka FC head coach K. Devan admitted that his side’s failure to capitalise on opportunities and two costly mistakes were the main reasons for the home defeat.  

He said Melaka started well in the first half, creating several chances, but failing to convert them disrupted their rhythm.  

“In the first half we played better than the opponents, but when chances are not taken, it has a huge impact... Penang FC’s first goal came from us losing possession in our own half,” he said.  

-- BERNAMA