PKNP FC Continue Their Drought, JDT Win Against Kedah

Aiman Nazirmuddin

Football Tribe Malaysia

PKNP FC continued their eight-game winless streak after losing 4-1 against Kuala Lumpur in a crucial six-pointer at the bottom of the table. Most unfortunately for PKNP, the three points allowed KL to bypass them in the standings, pulling the capital club out of the relegation zone and ringing alarm bells for the losing side. This result leaves PKNP coach Abu Bakar Fadzim with lots of work to do, as this marked his fifth defeat in their last eight games.

Defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) managed yet another victory, pulling of a 2-0 home win against third-placed Kedah. With the victory, the South Tigers are on the best track to retain the league title for the sixth straight season. JDT remain unbeaten after 15 league games and have collected 39 out of a possible 45 points.

Perak failed to take advantage of playing at their own home when they lost 3-2 to Melaka United. It was only Perak’s second home defeat in the Super League this season, but it leaves them way off the pace as they drop to eighth in the league table.

However, coach Mehmet Durakovic did not blame his players, who had given 100 percent effort in the game. “What do you want to say, we created a lot of opportunities but failed to score,” he said ruefully after the unfortunate result. “So, we accept the fact of this defeat, we win as a team and lose as a team, we do not blame anyone though the mistake is an individual mistake. We will try to restore ourselves to a few days before going to PJ City.”

“Of course I’m disappointed, playing at home I want to win, I want to find a win because the league is very tough,” he said. Their run of just three wins from 15 games this season represent a severe downgrade on the second-place finish he managed with the club last season.