Super League: Melaka Come From Behind To Beat Penang 2-1 And Snatch All Three Points

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- A late penalty kick in the final minutes of the match ensured Melaka FC took home three valuable points after coming from behind to defeat Penang FC 2-1 in a Super League action at the City Stadium here today.

The first half saw Melaka FC launching more attacks and coming close to opening the scoring through Kpah Sherman in the 12th minute, but his powerful shot went wide off the goalmouth.

Penang FC also threatened the visitors' territory through several dangerous moves, but failed to convert them into goals.

The home camp cheered briefly when Enzo Celestine converted a cross from Mohamad Khala’if Mohd Naskam in the 44th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside, with both teams heading into the dressing rooms at halftime still scoreless.

Entering the second half, Penang FC doubled their pressure and nearly broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Khala’if's clever play freed Celestine from opponent defensive marking, but the striker's shot only hit the goalpost.

The hosts' persistence paid off when referee Mohamad Nawal Mohammad Zubir awarded a penalty kick in the 62nd minute following a foul by Kamal Arif Azrai Shakimar on Celestine inside the penalty box.

Team captain Stefano Brundo calmly converted the spot-kick to beat Melaka FC goalkeeper Muhamad Firdaus Irman Mohd Fadhil, putting Penang FC in the lead.

Melaka FC bounced back to level the score at 1-1 in the 72nd minute when Dino Kalesic tapped in a low pass from Kpah Sherman.

Abdel Kader Coulibaly then sealed the visitors' victory by converting a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, following a foul by the home team’s substitute player, Suhaimi Abu, on Kpah Sherman inside the penalty box.

The victory keeps Melaka FC in sixth place in the league table, while Penang FC dropped to 11th place.

--BERNAMA