KUALA LUMPUR – KL City’s first match in the AFC Cup Group H ended in a goalless draw against Indonesia’s PSM Makassar today here at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium, Cheras.
The first half saw both teams having equal possession of the ball. But KL City came close on several occasions to break the deadlock.
Kevin Koubemba’s deflection skimmed past the post in the 38th minute, but it was PSM Makassar’s Yakob Sayuri’s shot that hit the bar in the 42nd minute that had the away fans sighing in frustration.
The City Boys came out the gates strong in the second half. Number seven Romel Morales came close from inside the penalty box, but his shot bounced off the woodwork.
KL City’s shot hit the crossbar as Muhammad Irfan Zakaria’s header in the 67th minute bounced off the top post.
Head coach Bojan Hodak’s tactic to bring in star player Safee Sali didn’t pay off as the match ended with no goals for both sides.
PSM Makassar will play Singapore’s Tampines Rovers next on June 27, and KL City will play the final group stage match on June 30 against Tampines Rovers.
At the post-match press conference, Croatian Hodak said although the team did not secure three points, he feels they performed well.
“In the first half we did not play properly, that was clear. But we changed the system for the second half, and we had more chances.
“Even though it hit the bar twice, we created opportunities so that is a positive,” he said.
Hodak added that the team is currently lacking on the attacking side, but defensively have shown they are strong.
“PSM Makassar is a good team, so the fact that we did not concede any goals shows that our defence is good. But attacking is the problem. We must work on that for our next game.”
Meanwhile, PSM Makassar head coach Bernardo Tavares said he is proud of his team, despite the draw.
“Both teams had chances, but in the end I am proud of my boys and how they played today. I think we were in control of the match.
“But now we have a game in three days, this is not good because my players are tired and must recover in time. But the home team that did not need to travel has six days to rest until their second match,” he said.
Bernardo said yesterday at the pre-match press conference that the schedule for the matches was changed without AFC giving the team a proper reason, leaving his team to play both matches with three days between them instead of six.
“Now I have two days in between to make a miracle for my team, some players are already injured, and I hope the others can recover in time. These things are out of our control but surely it makes us very upset,” he added.
PSM Makassar will play Singapore’s Tampines Rovers next on June 27, and KL City will play the final group stage match on June 30 against Tampines Rovers. – The Vibes, June 24, 2022.
