Perlis’ Simukonda thrown into the deep end

PENANG: After a three-month wait to see action, Perlis striker Zacharia Simukonda has been thrown into the deep end of the pool. 

SIMUKONDA: Back after suffering a brokenfoot.

Instead of being eased back into action after recovering from a broken foot, the Zambian hitman will be spearheading the Perlis attack against league leaders Selangor MPPJ in Kangar tonight. 

The Northern Lions' top scorer Phillimon Chepita is suspended for the crucial tie after collecting three yellow cards.  

And coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim has no choice but to put his faith on last year's Golden Boot winner Simukonda. 

Simukonda made a triumphant comeback in the FA Cup in midweek when he scored the crucial goal which gave Perlis a 4-3 aggregate victory over Kedah. 

Perlis drew the match 2-2, with Chepita scoring the team's first goal. 

“It is a big blow to miss Chepita for such an important home game against the league leaders,” said Abdul Rahman. 

“But Simukonda had a good performance against Kedah. I have faith in him.” 

The striker himself was on cloud nine after scoring in his comeback match. 

“After being out for so long, I was worried over how I would fare. But my foot felt fine and I could not have asked for a better gift than scoring the goal which took Perlis to the next round,” said Simukonda. 

“I feel that my performance can only get better, and it is the same for this youthful Perlis side.” 

Nothing less than three points against the star-studded MPPJ would be sufficient for Perlis as the reigning Super League champions are desperate to move out of the relegation zone. 

Added Abdul Rahman: “We need to secure as many points as possible, especially from the home matches. We have only beaten Penang and Selangor at home in the league so far. 

“It is a very tight race this season. 

Despite losing just three times in ten matches, Perlis are lying second from bottom in the league.