PETALING JAYA: It was Takumi Sasaki’s show in Temerloh!
Negri Sembilan got their first win of the season when they beat Pahang 2-0 in the Super League at the Temerloh Stadium yesterday with their Japanese player Sasaki playing a key role.
He scored one and assisted another to ensure his side went back home with three points.
Veteran midfielder R. Barathkumar tapped in a low-drilled free-kick from Sasaki in the 23rd minute to get Negri off to a good start.
Pahang could have equalised in the 40th minute when they got a penalty kick, but Argentinian midfielder Stefano Brundo skied his kick.
Against the run of play, the home side conceded a penalty in the 91st minute when captain and centreback Mohd Fadhli Shas fouled Myanmar winger Hein Htet Aung.
Sasaki then turned goalscorer when he converted the penalty in the 93rd minute.
Negri coach Azzmi Aziz was delighted with the 26-year-old’s performance as he continues to prove that he’s a top player for the club.
“We know Sasaki’s quality from day one. He deserves the goal and assist. I want to thank not just him but the other lads as they worked hard to take down a strong opposition like Pahang,” he said.
“We struggled in the game but we tried our best to take advantage of whatever attacking situation we got. I believe this is a turning point for us.
Meanwhile, Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was in shock over Brundo’s penalty flop.
“Not our day. Nothing worked our way. First half, we were bad. Our passing and control were wayward. We lost our playing style,” he said.
“The second half was a little better but we just lacked mental strength. Negri wanted this more than us.
“The penalty was a turning point. Stefano never missed any penalties last year, he was sharp. I was shocked by the way he took it. The keeper was already beaten but he went for power. But this is football.”
Pahang are ninth in the league with four points from four games, while Negri remained at the bottom with three.
