First Home Win A Morale Booster For Penang

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Penang FC has snapped out of a rut by thrashing Kelantan Darul Naim (KDN) FC 3-0 at Stadium Bandaraya, marking their first victory on home ground this season.

The three points collected yesterday were especially uplifting for supporters, who have long awaited a powerful performance from the team, who suffered two consecutive defeats in previous matches.

Penang FC head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhili said last night’s success was crucial to avoid falling behind in points, apart from boosting the confidence of the team.

"Before the match, I told the players that we had yet to score a goal this season at Stadium Bandaraya, so the players took that responsibility and managed to secure the victory.

"I am satisfied with the performance of every player, and more importantly, we scored three goals and, for the fourth time, did not concede any. I hope tonight's victory will serve as the best motivation for us to continue competing against the bigger teams in the future," he told a post-match press conference.

The former national player also hopes his team will maintain this momentum when they visit Kuching to face Kuching FC at the Sarawak State Stadium on Aug 11.

KDN FC assistant head coach Rezal Zambery Yahya said his team needs to work harder and recover quickly to remain competitive, especially as they will face Selangor FC, currently second in the league, in their next match.

"All players, from the goalkeeper to the strikers, need to improve because we only have a few days left before meeting Selangor, and we know they are a strong team," he said.

The defeat was KDN FC’s sixth in seven matches, and they are now at the bottom of the Super League standings.

-- BERNAMA