PETALING JAYA: A stoppage-time strike from Christian de Souza earned Melaka their first win of the Super League season after they edged a 10-man Negri Sembilan 2-1 at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Sunday.
The result was a timely response for coach E. Elavarasan’s side, who had opened their campaign with a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Terengganu.
Negri, however, drew first blood in the 20th minute through Japanese striker Yusuke Minagawa, but Melaka hit back before the break via Ivorian centre-back Noel Agbre in the 33rd minute.
The game turned in Melaka’s favour early in the second half when Negri captain and centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, already booked in the 39th minute, was shown a second yellow card in the 53rd minute and sent off.
The visitors then dug in through a string of tactical substitutions to hold their lines with 10 men, but could not keep Melaka out in the end.
De Souza struck in the 94th minute to complete the turnaround and hand Melaka a fully deserved win.
Elavarasan admitted his side had struggled early on but grew into the game.
“After 20 to 30 minutes, we were able to manage the game better after falling behind, and we managed to equalise before the first half ended,” he said.
“Playing against 10 men was certainly an advantage for us in securing the win. I also have to admit luck was on our side – we hit the crossbar and the post a few times before finally getting the win in stoppage time.”
Elavarasan conceded his side’s overall coordination was not at its sharpest, but said the players’ fighting spirit made the difference.
He also singled out veteran goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat for praise, saying his experience was a major factor behind his signing and gave the team valuable options.
“He also helped set up the winning goal with his communication and quick thinking. He is one of our key players,” said Elavarasan, after Khairul produced several crucial saves to deny Negri’s forwards.
