Players' Fighting Spirit Helps Melaka FC Bounce Back With Victory

MELAKA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Melaka FC head coach E Elavarasan has urged his players to maintain their winning momentum after they came from behind to beat Negeri Sembilan FC 2-1 in a Super League match at Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong last night.

Elavarasan said his players' fighting spirit was crucial to the comeback, particularly after the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the second half, giving Melaka FC greater opportunities to push forward.

"After losing to Terengganu, of course we wanted to bounce back in this match. When the opponents received a red card, we had an advantage because they were playing with one player fewer, and that gave us an opportunity to attack more."

"Although our attacking play was not particularly good, the important thing was that the players wanted to fight, do their best and win the match," he told reporters after the game.

In the match watched by more than 3,000 supporters, Melaka FC recovered after Yusuke Minagawa gave Negeri Sembilan the lead in the 19th minute, before Noel Agbre levelled the score in the 33rd minute.

Christian de Souza Andre emerged as Melaka FC's hero in the second half, scoring the winning goal in the closing stages before the final whistle.

Elavarasan said luck could also play a role in football, but stressed that the players' effort and determination remained crucial in deciding the outcome of a match.

Looking ahead to Melaka FC's FA Cup challenge against Penang FC on Sept 2, he said the coaching staff would first assess the players' fitness following last night's match.

He said the team would continue addressing its weaknesses, particularly its style of play, while ensuring the players were in the best possible condition for their upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan head coach Daniel Gimenez Alcaniz described his team's red card as the turning point of the match, although his players continued fighting and created several opportunities.

He said Negeri Sembilan must accept the defeat as a team and shift their focus to the next match, with a demanding schedule ahead, including an FA Cup fixture against Wan Tendong Stable on Wednesday.

Melaka are seventh in the Super League with three points, while Negeri Sembilan are ninth without a point.

-- BERNAMA