PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan K. Devan grimaced at every missed chance.
Devan’s reaction did not come as a surprise as the Deer muffed up many good opportunities to score and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kuching City at the State Stadium in Kuching on Sunday.
The hosts took the lead early when Zahrul Nizwan Joe Kifli Zulkeflee scored in the eighth minute but Negri’s high pressing earned them an equaliser in the 34th minute through Casagrande.
That goal galvanised Negri as they dominated possession, launched many chances but the only thing missing were their shooting boots!
Devan said three points would have improved their standings in the Super League.
Negri are eight with 18 points, more than six points away from the top five.
“A mistake in defence led us to concede the opening goal. From then on, we pressed our opponents and it worked. We dominated, created chances and Casagrande scored a superb goal in the first half,” said Devan, who is in his third year with the club.
“We were better in the second half too and created many chances but we did not score.
“Eky (Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi) missed many opportunities. We wanted to collect three points but only had one. I am disappointed with the result as we had plenty of chances. The team, however, are eager to make a comeback.”
Negri will next travel to Kuantan as they take on Pahang at the Darul Makmur Stadium on Friday.
Due to fitness issues, Singaporean midfielder Safuwan Baharuddin was missing from the starting line-up but Devan hopes to see his return as the team desperately need foreign power against the Elephants.
“I have no issues with the local players as we can rotate, but we have only three foreigners in our squad now. Against Kuching, only Levy (Madinda) and Casagrande were available,” said Devan.
“Against Pahang, we need all three, so I hope Safuwan will be available to boost our chances.”
