KL City squander two-goal lead in dramatic draw with Penang

KUALA LUMPUR – Penang FC clawed back with a player down to draw 2-2 with Kuala Lumpur City FC at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Cheras yesterday.

As predicted, the host started the match aggressively and took an early lead in the 14th minute when captain Paulo Josue scored a perfectly taken free-kick into the top right corner leaving no chance for a save by Penang goalkeeper Shafiq Afifi Suhaimi.

Penang missed an opportunity to equalise before the end of the first half, but was denied by KL City FC keeper Kevin Ray Mendoza Hansen. 

In the second half, KL City FC head coach Bojan Hodak was seen fuming when a penalty was denied by the referee after Herlison Caion was brought down in the box.

In the 57th minute, Penang suffered another blow when their defender Namathevan Arunasalam was given his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card in the game.

Taking advantage of Penang’s situation, KL City doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Paulo Josue scored his second goal of the night.

However, Penang had an immediate response to Paulo’s goal as the Panthers pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Muhammad Hadin Azman.

The comeback was complete in the 85th minute when Penang’s substitute Gomes da Silva Giovane scored the equalising goal.

“Both sides had decisions that were uncalled for, at the end of the day it does make things interesting. 

“For us, we were trailing in the first half, and during the interval, I told my boys to continue their style of play and maintain the same approach. 

“Most importantly their mentality needed to be strong, and in the second half they responded well,” said Penang coach Chong Yee Fatt

Meanwhile, Bojan Hodak was clearly unhappy with some of the refereeing decisions.

“Why doesn’t the referee come here and give his opinion as well? Be transparent and talk about the game. 

“We will send a letter on the refereeing but what will change? Can you give me back my two points?” he said. 

KL City FC will play Johor Darul Ta’zim FC on March 1, while Penang FC will take on Negri Sembilan. – The Vibes, February 26, 2023