Melaka United need to rise up - Head Coach

MELAKA, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Melaka United FC head coach Mohd Asri Ninggal hopes his team can bounce back after recording three consecutive defeats when they were bashed 3-0 by Kedah Darul Aman FC in their Super League match last night.

He said the absence of some key players who suffered injuries affected the team's playing style which saw lack ideas and creativity especially in midfield and attack in creating scoring opportunities.

"These three defeats in a row are not easy to swallow but we have to accept the reality. However, the line-up of players fielded tonight (last night) using only local players and some U-21 players, did their best.

"We have six days to prepare before the next match against Kuala Lumpur, it will not be an easy match because we know the strength of the opposing team who are currently at their best form. We hope our key players recover to strengthen the team," he told reporters after the match at the Hang Jebat Stadium here.

The Mousedeer conceded the first goal in the 13th minute which was netted by Jordanian import player Mahmoud Almardi and the 1-0 result remained until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Kedah continued to push the homesters and managed to add a goal through Fayadh Zulkifli in the 83rd minute followed by Mahmoud who completed the rout for the Canaries one minute before the end of the game.

Meanwhile, Kedah head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said praise should be given to his players who played well and followed the game plan to bring home three points.

He said his team will do their best preparation and improve on the existing weaknesses to face Selangor FC in their next match.

The result saw Kedah move up to fifth in the Super League standings with 24 points from 16 matches while Melaka are ninth with 17 points from 17 outings.  

-- BERNAMA