Penang Coach Accepts Costly But Indisputable Penalty Decisions

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Penang FC coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli accepts the three penalties awarded by the referee to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Super League match at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim here last night, which his team lost 0-5.

He said the penalties awarded by referee Razlan Joffri Ali were correct and indisputable, as they were reviewed via the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

"I think I can't dispute the penalties because Razlan is currently the best referee in Malaysia.

"So I believe he made the right decisions. However, I am satisfied with my players, and we also lost to one of the best clubs in Asia," he said during the post-match press conference last night.

JDT’s goals came from two penalties and three field goals, as the Southern Tigers failed to convert one of the penalty kicks.

However, Akmal Rizal commended his players for creating several chances and almost surprising the reigning champions in the first half.

This included a long-range shot by their new striker, Dylan Christopher Charles Wenzel Halls, in the 19th minute, which was saved by JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed.

"But that's football; you pay the price for not capitalising on scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, we will continue to assess the best strategies for the next match against Negeri Sembilan," he said.

JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio is satisfied with his team’s performance, including four new players who made their debut last night.

“Our new players helped the team very well and understand the philosophy and mission of the club.

“The desire to win this match was very high, and we dominated the game from the start,” he said.

The four new players - Jorge Obregon, Enzo Lombardo, Iker Undabarrena and Eddy Israfilov - were playing their first match in the Malaysia League.

-- BERNAMA