SHAH ALAM, May 10 — Although Selangor FC 2 could only muster a 1-1 draw against Kelantan United FC, head coach Rusdi Suparman was satisfied with his young charges’ performance in a Premier League match at UiTM Stadium last night.
He said this was because most of the players’ line-up was under 21, as six senior players are playing for the men’s national football squad at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam.
“I gave responsibility to the new players to be in the first 11, and they showed good performance when we were leading 1-0 against the opponents. It was not easy, especially since Kelantan United have three imported players,” he told reporters after the match.
Rusdi said the squad’s momentum, however, was a little shaken when they were reduced to 10 men after Selangor 2 midfielder Muhammad Haiqal Haqeemi Hairi was sent off after he was given a second yellow card for objecting to the referee’s decision in the 64th minute.
Meanwhile, Kelantan United head coach Syamsil Mohd Saad admitted the team's confidence and mental health were affected after the hosts scored their first goal after just eight minutes.
“The opponent’s first goal can be avoided, but due to being too nervous, we made many mistakes,” he explained.
The result saw Kelantan United occupy the third spot in the 10-team Premier League standings with 13 points and Selangor 2 in the sixth position with nine points following an equaliser, he said.
In last night’s match, the first goal by Selangor 2 was scored as a result of a powerful kick by Abdul Rahman Daud, before Kelantan United found the equaliser in the 78th minute, courtesy of a Muhammad Aliff Najmi Shaaini header.
— Bernama
