Penang fans celebrating the win against Kelantan. - Photo by Penang FC
PETALING JAYA: Before the game against Kelantan, Penang coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli reminded his charges of their dismal record at home – they had yet to score a goal at the City Stadium.
Even the home fans have turned against them after Penang were held 0-0 by Terengganu and lost to northern neighbours Kedah 0-1 in their two home fixtures in the Super League.
The fans had even vented their frustration at Brazilian striker Rodrigo Dias, who has scored only once so far and had to miss a few games due to injury.
On Thursday, the Panthers put all that behind them. They not only notched their first home win, they also scored a handsome three goals with Dias showing he could be their predatory striker by scoring a goal and making an assist.
Akmal was a picture of delight after the final whistle in Penang’s 3-0 win over Kelantan, with some of the pressure lifted off his shoulders.
“We told the boys we have not scored in this stadium. They took responsibility to win and score goals. All of them deserve credit, from Rodrigo to Sikh (goalkeeper Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman Sikh).
“It is important because we want to get points and move up the ladder. It wasn’t easy facing Kelantan because they have young players and good runners.
“I am happy that we scored three goals and did not concede any. This should be the stepping stone to better things for us.”
Dias got the first goal in the 12th minute when he took advantage of a goalkeeping fumble by Kelantan custodian Alfaiz Zula’amin. The 30-year-old Brazilian then played a brilliant one-two with midfielder Nik Akif Syahiran, with the latter putting the ball past Alfaiz in the 34th minute.
Captain and Brazilian centreback Rafael Vitor capped off a happy night for the home side by burying a penalty in the 75th minute.
Meanwhile, Kelantan have lost six of the seven matches they have played this year with coach Park Jae-hong surely feeling the pressure.
The South Korean did not attend the post-match press conference, leaving his assistant Reezal Zambery Yahya to deal with the media.
Reezal said improvements have to be made when the second transfer window opens on Aug 26.
“We have to bounce back quickly. We can’t be taking in defeat after defeat,” he said.
“Every department needs work. If you lose, that means the whole team didn’t play well. From defence to attack, the attitude and character have to change before we face Selangor.”
Penang are now seventh in the league with nine points from seven matches, while Kelantan are rock bottom with three points from seven games.
