PETALING JAYA: Ronald Ngah’s first game with Kedah in the AFC Cup is unforgettable for the wrong reasons but fortunately, he has made quick amends.
The striker from Cameroon suffered the ignominy of scoring an own goal in Kedah’s 0-2 defeat against Bali United in their first Group G game on Friday.
Instead of wallowing, the 32-year-old bounced back by steering Kedah to a 4-1 win over Filipino club Kaya-Iloilo in Bali, Indonesia, on Monday.
Ngah scored the third goal in the 82nd minute and assisted the first two goals, proving that he had the character to let go of the past and push the Canaries forward in the competition.
Substitute winger Fayadh Zulkifli found the net in the 57th and 93rd minute while Jordanian winger Mahmoud Al-Mardi scored in the 63rd minute.
Javier Gayoso scored Kaya’s lone goal in the 86th minute.
Ngah was happy that they made up for the opening game defeat against Kaya.
“It was a game for us to win, to bounce back from the defeat against Bali United. We knew what was at stake, we came in with a winning mentality. We showed character and determination,” he said.
“But against Kaya, we showed the determination, desire and discipline to get the three points.
“We will give our all to get three points in the next game (against Visakha tomorrow) and qualify for the knockout stages.”
Coach Aidil Sharin said: “It’s a good win for our fans. We did well in the first half and deployed a different game plan in the second and it was well executed.
“I’m pleased with their attitude and fighting spirit. The race in the group is open now after Visakha beat Bali 5-2.”
“There are three teams with three points. We will go all out to beat Visakha.”