Wan Rohaimi Praises Players' Spirit In Securing Away Victory

MELAKA, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Penang FC head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail praised his players’ fighting spirit after they bounced back from two successive Super League defeats to beat Melaka FC 1–0 in the FA Cup opener at Hang Jebat Stadium last night.

He described the victory as a significant one for his team, particularly against a Melaka side that arrived on the back of a win last Sunday.

“It was a fiercely contested match. Both teams had chances to win, and I must commend my players for showing great character to secure our first victory of the season.

“When you begin the league campaign with two defeats, it is not easy to bounce back...especially by winning away from home,” he said at the post-match press conference.

Penang scored the only goal in the 23rd minute through Faith Friday Obilor, who converted a pass from Aliff Haiqal Lokman Hakim Lau to give the visitors a slender 1-0 lead to take home.

Wan Rohaimi said Penang had expected Melaka to increase the pressure in the second half after falling behind, but his players managed the situation well and defended their advantage until the final whistle.

He added that the team could not afford to become complacent with such a narrow lead and must now focus on their upcoming league match against Terengganu FC on Sept 5, before hosting Melaka in the return leg on Sept 9.

Meanwhile, Melaka FC head coach E. Elavarasan said the 0–1 defeat had not ended his team’s hopes of reaching the next round, describing Penang’s advantage as slim.

Speaking about Kpah Sherman’s missed penalty in second-half stoppage time, Elavarasan refused to blame the player, noting that even experienced footballers can make mistakes under intense pressure.

“Our players responded well in the second half and created numerous chances, although several last-gasp efforts were saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

“As for the penalty, any player, even a global superstar, can miss under pressure. We have to accept it as a team and bounce back,” he said.

Elavarasan added that Melaka’s immediate focus was on their Super League match against Selangor on Sept 6. After that, the team would devise the best strategy for the remaining 90 minutes of the tie at Penang City Stadium, which he described as a “50–50” contest.

-- BERNAMA