MELAKA - Selangor FC head coach Karsten Neitzel has reminded his team to keep up their momentum after the 3-2 win over Melaka United FC last night at the Hang Jebat Stadium.
Neitzel's men conceded two goals, one in each half, but he was all praise for them as they never stopped trying to create chances.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Neitzel admitted he was very happy in having secured the three points that ensured his team's progress up the table.
“Both teams gave everything, our opponents did very well and gave us a hard game. It was 50-50 but our players never gave up and performed much better in the second half to pressure them.
“We had good substitutes today but more importantly it was a good team performance. They stayed focused until the end," he said
Melaka United had gone ahead through Montenegro forward Stefan Nikolic during added time in the first half before the Red Giants equalised six minutes into the second half.
Zainal Abidin Hassan’s squad once again took the lead through Ahmad Syamim Yahya’s goal in the 58th minute, but Selangor clawed back with a Ifedayo Olusegun equaliser in the 70th minute before clinching all three points through Muhammad Syahmi Safari’s goal in the 88th minute.
As much as they want to celebrate the victory, Neitzel said they must start making preparations for the match against Sabah on Friday.
“They (Sabah) are not an easy opponent, we have to be careful and focus on our performance. That's the most important thing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melaka United FC head coach Zainal expressed his disappointment over the second consecutive home defeat and their complacency at the end of the game.
“We conceded two easy goals and were punished, but for now, we need to improve for the next game,” he said.
Yesterday’s result saw Selangor FC in fifth place in the league with 14 points and Melaka United in 10th with seven points. - Bernama. April 19, 2021
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