Perak squander chance after chance but Yee Fatt sees silver lining

Sore point: PJ City goalkeeper Kalamullah Mat Rowi catching the ball before Perak’s Guilherme De Paula can reach it during their Super League match at the Perak Stadium. The game ended 0-0. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Perak are left kicking themselves after they muffed plenty of scoring chances which denied them a good start in their first Super League match.

The Seladang dominated from start to finish but failed to convert 13 attempts at goal as they were held 0-0 by an equally hardworking Petaling Jaya City at the Perak Stadium on Sunday.

Obviously, the side led by Chong Yee Fatt were frustrated by their poor finishing.

The closest chance came through Singaporean centreback Shakir Hamzah who capitalised on a loose ball off a corner by unleashing a vicious volley from 30m, but it only rattled the bar.

Players like Careca and J. Partiban constantly tormented the Phoenix’s defence, but their striker Guilherme De Paula was a failure up front.

Still, Yee Fatt was happy with what his boys did despite their one pre-season match practice.

“We honestly did not have the best of preparations before the opener. We only played a friendly against Penang. I had a short time to work with them but they did good, ” said Yee Fatt.

“The players were not clinical enough. They played safe in the first half to assess PJ City. They did better in the second by creating many chances but failed to convert.

“It’s a pity we missed our first three points. PJ City did well. There are no weak teams in the league. Whether they depend on foreigners or just locals, they are capable of surprising anyone.”

Perak face Pahang at the Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan tomorrow.

With five games to be played in two weeks, there are worries over injuries and fitness, but Yee Fatt said he was convinced that his players would not run out of steam.

“We had no injuries from the PJ City game, so we will focus on recovery. We’ll ensure the team will be mentally and physically ready. We may make some changes in the line-up though.”

Meanwhile, PJ City coach P. Maniam said his boys played like warriors to frustrate their opponents.

“Perak dominated the game, but my boys were spirited. They worked hard and our strikers created some quick counters. It’s good to pick up a point from an away game, ” said Maniam, ahead of the team’s match against Melaka tomorrow.