PETALING JAYA: Coaches Wan Rohaimi Wan Isa and K. Rajan had contrasting reactions after their sides Penang and Negri Sembilan played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in their Super League clash at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium on Saturday.
With both sides desperate for a win to improve their standings, the match delivered edge-of-seat thrillers for their fans.
Negri are seventh with 19 points from 18 games, while Penang are also eighth with the same number of points from the same number of games but separated by goal difference.
Rohaimi admitted his side would have to manage matches better.
“We have to be more mature and patient when we are leading. At times we were clumsy and conceded goals that could have been avoided,” he said.
“But I must also praise the players because they fought until the end to get a point. Game by game they are improving.
“I hope the players will also analyse the game. It cannot be only the coaches doing the homework, they must do it too.”
Penang struck first in the 22nd minute when Australian forward Dylan Wenzel-Halls silenced the home crowd with a clinical finish.
The lead, however, lasted just eight minutes as Negri Sembilan’s Bosnian attacker Jovan Motika struck to level the score.
The match remained deadlocked until the 79th minute when veteran striker Tchetche Kipre fired Penang back in front.
With time running out, the Deer squad mounted a spirited fightback with Japanese midfielder Mio Tsuneyasu scoring in the 84th minute and Ghanaian forward Joseph Esso putting the Deer ahead in the 89th minute.
Just as the hosts appeared set to celebrate all three points, Penang defender Stefano Brundo from Argentina had the final say when he scored deep into stoppage time.
Rajan saw it as an encouraging progress despite being denied victory late on.
“In the last three matches we have improved and created many chances,” he said.
“There are still areas we must improve, especially defensively.
“Some decisions, including the penalty situations, are up to the referee.
“But overall I can sense improvement in terms of concentration and focus.”
