Still as sharp: Terengganu winger Akhyar Rashid jumps over a Penang player during a Super League match in Georgetown which ended 0-0 at the City Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu winger Akhyar Rashid stole the show in a goalless draw against Panang in the Super League on Sunday.
The 25-year-old footballer, who was forced out for two weeks due to injuries suffered from an assault and robbery in Terengganu, went on to put up a commendable performance for the Turtles and won the thumbs up from head coach Tomislav Steinbruckner.
Steinbruckner was earlier hesitant to field the player due to his level of fitness but decided to give him a break and was content with Akhyar’s performance.
“Even though he did not train for the past two weeks, he played well during the match,” said Steinbrucker.
“There were many situations when he impressed from his side of the pitch and I can’t complain about how he played,” he said.
The 57-year-old coach said the player was determined to play the first half of the game.
“During the half time, I asked him how he felt, and he was fine to continue,”
“But not long after that, he asked to be subbed out. I’m satisfied with how we played and I believe he will continue to get better in the next match,” he said.
During the match against Penang, Terengganu’s Manuel Ott had found the back of the net in the 38th minute, but was later disallowed due to offside.
The offside ruling however, did not come through the video assistant referees (VAR) review due to a technical issue at the stadium.
But later, the VAR worked and Penang Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli’s goal in the 68th minute was disallowed after a review.
The Turtles now have four points after winning their opening fixture against Perak 3-1, and will face Kelantan this Friday at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium.
Steinbruckner said he wanted his team to show more creativity on the pitch as he also planned to shuffle his men around for the game.
“I want them to show more courage and speed with the ball. I do think I need to change some players,” he said.
“It’s not because we are bad, but sometimes players on the bench deserve a start as well.”
