Never-say-die spirit contributed to Perak's win over PKNP FC

IPOH, May 12 (Bernama) -- It was the never-say-die and high spirits among the players which helped Perak to trounce PKNP FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the Shopee 2019 FA Cup competition at the Perak Stadium here last night.   

Perak chief coach Mehmed Durakovic said he was extremely happy with his men's performance especially Perak’s new import Ronaldo Henrique Silva from Brazil, who scored two goals in the game.

"I am pleased that they (players) played with great determination giving 100 per cent commitment although at one point it looked as if the match would end up in a draw.

"I'm very satisfied with Ronaldo's performance. Though he’s only been with the team for two days, he netted two goals to help us reach the semi-finals," he told a media conference shortly after the match.

In the match, the Bos Gaurus squad scored two goals through Ronaldo in the 23rd and 88th minute, while PKNP FC's only goal was produced by Giancarlo Lopez in the 71st minute

With the win Perak is assured of a place in the semi-finals and will meet Pahang at the Darul Makmur Stadium on June 23 for the first leg of the tournament.

In addition, Mehmed also commended the PKNP FC players who put up a good fight right to the last minute of the game.

Meanwhile, PKNP FC coach Abu Bakar Fadzim said experience factor and mistakes by the defence in the final minutes of the game led to their defeat thus depriving them of a place in the semi-finals.

Although a little disappointed, overall he was satisfied that his players put up a fine performance throughout the 90-minute game.

"What I can say is that at one point the advantage was on our side but in the last 10 minutes, Perak kept attacking us and they finally scored another goal two minutes before the game ended," he said.

-- BERNAMA