Vidakovic Describes Sabah’s Late Strike As Bitter Pill For KL City

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur City FC head coach Risto Vidakovic admitted the 1-1 draw against Sabah FC in their Super League match at home last night was a bitter pill to swallow after his side conceded a late equaliser despite dominating the second half.

Vidakovic said The City Boys had the upper hand after the break and created several chances to seal all three points but were punished by the visitors in the closing stages.

“The result is a draw but it’s the worst feeling you can have when you concede a goal especially after controlling almost the entire second half.

“We had many opportunities to finish the game but that’s football, sometimes you just have to accept it, look forward and work hard,” he told a post-match press conference after the match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Cheras, here.

The 55-year-old tactician, who took charge of KL City earlier this season, insisted the result did not reflect his team’s performance.

He also refused to blame any individual on the defence lapse that led to Sabah’s equaliser in added time, while noting that fatigue and a shorter pre-season had affected his players’ sharpness.

“It’s part of football - 90 minutes, the concentration, everybody’s tired especially as we started a little bit late with pre-season, we are not 100% physically, not at the top. I think we played a good game and we have to continue growing, continue playing and I think we have many positive things,” he said.

At the same time, he urged patience from fans as the squad continues to gel, pointing out that many players joined the team late and were still adapting to his tactical approach.

“The biggest negative thing maybe is the goals (scoring). We have to be patient with these players because everyone is new. Many of them came late, we started pre-season late. I can find many excuses,” he added.

In last night’s clash, Sabah, who were playing their first match of the season, were forced to play with 10 men after midfielder Dean Pelekanos was shown a red card two minutes before half-time for a dangerous tackle.

KL City capitalised on the advantage to open the scoring through an own goal by defender Dane Ingham in the 65th minute but Sabah fought back to level the score in second-half injury time through a header by substitute Gabriel Peres.

KL City, who will travel to face Penang FC on Aug 24, are now in third place with four points, level with Terengganu in second while defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim lead the standings with six points.

-- BERNAMA