PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur’s fighting spirit made Giancarlo Gallifuoco’s 100th Super League match extra special as his side kept it late to pull off a win against Melaka on Saturday.
The City Boys staged a dramatic late goal against Melaka at the Cheras Stadium to win 2-1 and secure three important points, placing them second in the table with 39 points, two points clear of Kuching City in third.
The 32-year-old Gallifuoco, who joined Kuala Lumpur in 2021 and was playing in his 100th game, praised his team for getting the win after Melaka scored their equaliser late in the game.
“If you’re trying to be a successful team in the league, these are the types of matches that we have to be winning,” said Gallifuoco.
“I’m proud of the fighting spirit that the team showed, especially at the end after we conceded.”
Kuala Lumpur took the lead through Kamal Azizi Zabri in the 40th minute, but Melaka levelled the game in the 86th minute thanks to Park Kwang-il.
But Safawi Rasid ensured the hosts got the win with a strike late into injury time.
“A lot of teams would’ve dropped off at that point (after conceding), thinking it was going to end with a draw. Instead, we pushed on and got another goal.
“The team showed great character. I’m especially proud of our reaction after conceding. That’s championship team material.”
Gallifuoco admitted that the team could have gotten a bigger lead in the first half, but failed to fully capitalise on their chances.
“I do think we had things under control in the first half. We made many chances but their goalkeeper, Samuel Sommerville, did a great job and denied many of our chances.
“But Kamal scored a great goal for us to put us ahead.”
Meanwhile, Gallifuoco said he believed his naturalisation process was going on smoothly.
“I know the process has begun and things are in the pipeline, but that’s all I know right now. I’m focused on Kuala Lumpur in the meantime.
“But I can’t properly articulate how excited and grateful I am to be part of this process, though I will wait until I receive confirmation,” added Gallifuoco, who is looking forward to donning the Harimau Malaya colours one day.
