Malacca fear running out of steam
Kuantan’s (left) tussles with Malacca’s match on Monday. Malacca won 4-3. MALACCA coach Mat Zan Mat Aris fears that his Premier League side’s involvement in the Malaysia Cup could affect their chances of earning promotion to the Super League next season.
The team opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League following the 4-3 win over Kuantan FC courtesy of Alexandru Tudose’s final minute goal at Darulmakmur Stadium on Monday.
Tudose was also on target in the 35th minute while Malacca’s other goals were from Ilija Spasojevic (27th) and Yashir Pinto (46th).
Shazalee Ramlee (first and 37th) and Dao Bakary (30th) scored for Kuantan.
Malacca lead with 36 points, followed by Johor (31) and PKNS (30).
Only the top two teams will earn promotion to the Super League.
“My players showed character to beat Kuantan but I fear our campaign in the Premier League could be affected as we are also involved in the Malaysia Cup.
“Since the restart of the season, we have been playing a game every three or four days, and although, we do not have any serious injuries, some are showing signs of tiredness.
“We are not like some big clubs who have quality options in every department and it is important to have our regulars in every match,” Mat Zan told Timesport yesterday.
Malacca’s schedule will be hectic until the season takes a short international break on Aug 23.
“We have some crucial Premier League matches coming up and some second-tier clubs will be fresh as they are not involved in the Malaysia Cup,” Mat Zan added.
Second place Johor failed to close the gap on Malacca after they were
during their Premier League edged 1-0 by Perlis in Kangar through Mohamadou Sumareh goal in the 57th minute.
PKNS and Negri drew 0-0 at Shah Alam Stadium while Kim Jin Ryong’s penalty in the 38th minute earned DRB-Hicom a 1-0 with over Kuala Lumpur at Proton Stadium.
Armed Forces moved one rung to 11th spot after a 3-1 win over Universiti Teknoloji Malaysia (UiTM) at Temerloh Stadium.
Khasan Abdukarimov (40th and 65th) and Faiz Ibrahim (83rd) were on target for Forces while UiTM replied through Nik Syafiq Syazwan (31st).
At Selayang Stadium, Maxsius Musa (75th) and Leopold Alfonso (78th) netted for Sabah in the 2-1 win over Sime Darby. Sime Darby replied through Mateo Roskam (17th). By Ajitpal Singh