Kogileswaran refuses to celebrate goal against Pahang

On target: Kogileswaran scoring the winning goal in PJ City’s 3-2 win over Pahang in a Super League match on Friday.

SHAH ALAM: When Petaling Jaya City’s M. Kogileswaran Raj stepped in as a replacement in the 75th minute, Pahang fans could be heard shouting repeatedly from the stands – “Do not score, Kogi!”

The reaction from the fans was understandable as Kogileswaran had played for Pahang for four seasons before joining PJ City this year.

Undeterred and determined to show his allegiance to his new team, Kogileswaran scored the winning goal and inflicted the Elephants with a 2-3 defeat in the Super League on Friday.

The 22-year-old winger was entrusted to take a free-kick from 18 metres in the 94th minute, and his swerving shot took a wicked deflection off the Pahang wall to beat a crestfallen goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee.

The Phoenix had drawn first blood through Guinean international Aboubacar Demba Camara in the 11th minute, but Pahang were quick to respond when mercurial captain Dickson Nwakaeme scored two minutes later.

In the second half, Pahang took the lead through Brazilian striker Ivan Carlos in the 50th minute, but it only lasted eight minutes when R. Barathkumar equalised.

Kogileswaran’s goal sees PJ City winning their first match of the season, and they have four points from two games.

Kogileswaran’s goal handed Pahang their second successive defeat, but immediately after the match, he apologised to the fans and his former teammates.

“To be honest, I felt nervous after that goal. I scored against my old club. It was great but felt bad at the same time, ” said Kogileswaran, who is a regular in the national Under-23 team.

“Deep down my heart, I love Pahang. But this is football. I had my chance, and I wanted to prove something, and I did it. I want to thank God for the moment.

“To each player, I told them sorry. I ask for forgiveness even to (Pahang) coach Dollah (Salleh) and the management. After the game, I ran to the fans, and I said sorry.

“This is football though. Now PJ City is on my chest, so I have to give my all for this club.”

Meanwhile, Dollah was lost for words when Kogileswaran scored the winning goal as he felt that his side should have capitalised on their chances.

“Of course, it is painful. In terms of playing, we did well. We lacked concentration, though, especially when PJ City went on the counter-attack, ” said Dollah.

“It happened in the first game as well. I do not know what to say. Our strikers, especially Dickson, is not doing what we expect from him.

“However, this is football, so we should take the collective blame. Everyone is responsible including coaches. We need to do more correction, especially on our backline.

“Without a point from two matches is quite critical to me. We will mend our ways and look for a way to bounce back.”