AKMAL RIZAL RUES PENANG'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY AGAINST NEGERI SEMBILAN

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Penang FC coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli has expressed disappointment over the team's 2-2 draw in their Super League match against Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) here last night.

He said minor mistakes prevented the Panthers from securing three valuable points, which are crucial at this stage to safeguard Penang’s position in the league.

"In my opinion, dropping two points is damaging, as we will next face KL City (on Sept 29), followed by the final first-round match against Pahang at home (on Oct 20).

"If we continue to drop points, we can't secure a top six or seven position in the league. Perak were previously behind Penang but have overtaken us," he told reporters after the match at the City Stadium.

The absence of Muhamad Adib Ra'op and import player Rafael Vitor due to injuries slightly affected the Penang squad but Akmal Rizal praised substitutes Aikmal Roslan and Aqil Irfanuddin for doing their best to hold the defence together.

Regarding the performance of new import player Dylan Wenzel Halls, Akmal Rizal said the Australian player has adapted himself well, as evident from his goal last night.

Meanwhile, NSFC head coach K. Nanthakumar was pleased with the improvement shown by his players compared to their performance against Perak at home on Sept 14.

He said new import midfielder Sebastian Avanzini's late equaliser against Penang boosted the team’s morale and proved that the Italian-born player could make a difference for the team.

He also said another import player from Thailand is expected to arrive today, to strengthen their attacking lineup.

"His name is Perez and he comes from the Thai league. We signed him at the last minute, and he will join the team for training on Tuesday (tomorrow)," he said.

Avanzini expressed pride in the teamwork and hard work displayed by every player but said they should stay focused on the next match against Kelantan on Friday.

-- BERNAMA