Penang FC, Sabah FC Play Out Goalless Draw In Super League

GEORGE TOWN, April 26 (Bernama) -- Penang FC’s hopes of redeeming last week’s Challenge Cup defeat were dashed after they were held to a goalless draw by Sabah FC in a Super League match at the City Stadium here this evening.

Playing under hot conditions, both teams displayed a slow and cautious tempo, resulting in no shots on target throughout the first half, with play largely confined to the middle of the park.

In the second half, the Black Panthers stepped up their attack and earned a corner in the 47th minute taken by Jose Elmer Porteria, but Muhammad Izzat Zikri Izziruddin could not hit the target.

In the 60th minute, Penang FC were awarded a free kick, but Omid Musawi’s effort was easily saved by Sabah goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

Controversy arose in the 71st minute when Sabah player Dame James Ingham appeared to foul Douglas Coutinho in the penalty box, but no penalty was awarded by referee Muhammad Munir Mohd Izam following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

The match grew more intense towards the end when Sabah FC were reduced to 10 men after substitute Jafri Chew was shown a red card for a foul on Omid Musawi, but the score remained level till the final whistle.

At the post-match press conference, Penang FC head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail said the absence of four key players due to injuries and suspension clearly disrupted Penang FC’s rhythm.

He admitted the loss of those key players left the team looking ‘disjointed’, particularly in attack, making it difficult for the Rhinos to create dangerous chances throughout the match.

“The absence of these four players was definitely felt, especially Dylan (Wenzel-Halls). In attack, we lacked ideas to create chances and score goals.

“I hope Dylan will be fit again for the next match, and the other players also need to step up their performance,” he said.

Apart from Dylan, who sustained an injury during the second leg of the Challenge Cup final last week, the other three players who missed today’s match were team captain Stefan Brundo, Mohamad Adib Abdul Ra’op and Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Sabah FC head coach Juan Torres Garrido described the draw as a fair result based on the overall performance, with both teams displaying different styles of play over the 90 minutes.

“In the first half, we performed quite consistently and in the second half we dominated, but the opponent was better and dominated us at times. Overall, it ended as a draw and probably a fair result, as there were not many goal-scoring chances for either team,” he said.

— BERNAMA