Kogileswaran caps memorable birthday by scoring first goal
YOUNG midfielder M. Kogileswaran Raj marked his 19th birthday yesterday in style by scoring his first Super League goal to help Pahang beat Sarawak 3-0 at the Darul Makmur Stadium.
Kogileswaran, making only his second start with the senior side this year, latched on to a Matheus Alves’s cross to beat Sarawak goalkeeper Shahril Sa'ari in the 23minute.
He celebrated by running to the tracks to hug James Palani, whom he looks up to as a father figure.
As Palani ran down the stands and planted a kiss on Kogileswaran’s cheek, the crowd responded with a thunderous applause.
The former Pahang Sports School student admitted it was a memorable moment that he will cherish forever, especially after scoring his first M-League goal on the eve of his birthday.
A huge fan of former England midfielder Paul Scholes, Kogileswaran said he was grateful to the coaches for giving him the opportunity to start the match against Sarawak.
“The goal has certainly given me added confidence and I hope to help the team score more goals and provide assists for my teammates.
“I managed to perfectly time my run into the penalty area and throw my body to guide the ball into goal.
“I scored in front of the home supporters and hope this is the start of more to come.”
Pahang assistant coach Ahmad Shaharuddin Rosdi said: “Kogileswaran proved that he has the talent and can score goals.
“It is good to see young players filling in for the senior players when required and going on to perform beyond expectations.”
He added that the decision to field several young players including R. Dinesh, Faisal Rosli and Solomon Raj had paid off.
Delighted to see his team move into second spot after Kedah lost 3-1 to Felda United in Alor Star, Ahmad Shahruddin said Pahang cannot afford to rest on their laurels especially with two important matches against T-Team (away) and Perak (home) to complete the league fixtures.
“We are on track (to secure second spot) and must not take things easy.” T.N.Alagesh