BATU KAWAN, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Immigration FC (IFC) head coach Yusri Che Lah is satisfied with his men’s fighting spirit despite the team’s 0-3 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Super League match at Batu Kawan Stadium this evening.
He said the team defended well in the early stages, but a mistake towards the end of the first half gave JDT the advantage when they scored just before the break.
“When we fell behind, we tried to prevent them from scoring more than one goal by launching counter-attacks, but the team’s lapse allowed JDT to find the space to add two more goals in the second half.
“Nevertheless, we should be proud despite the loss as the players gave their full commitment for the entire 90 minutes,” he told reporters after the match.
Yusri admitted that the three goals conceded to JDT were not the outcome he had expected, especially after seven training sessions leading up to the encounter.
He hoped the defeat would serve as a lesson, while IFC’s full focus now shifts to preparing for the crucial second-round FA Cup clash against Terengganu FC (TFC) scheduled for Sept 13.
“We have two weeks to prepare, and I hope the new import player we have brought in will be able to strengthen the squad, while we also concentrate on avoiding repeated individual mistakes, as these can change the outcome of a match.
“If possible, we want to score an early goal in Kuala Terengganu,” he said.
Meanwhile, JDT head coach Xisco Munoz described today’s victory as the result of his players’ hard work and consistency despite a hectic schedule.
“I think we have three important points. This was the last game in the last 20 days; we have played six games in the period.
“It is important for us to continue learning what we need to do and what we need to improve in our style,” he said.
Earlier, JDT collected maximum points after defeating IFC 0-3 in the Super League match at Batu Kawan Stadium, a result that sent the Southern Tigers to the top of the league table with 12 points from four matches.
-- BERNAMA
