SCORING AGAINST JDT A CONFIDENCE BOOST AHEAD OF NEGERI SEMBILAN CLASH — AKMAL RIZAL

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Kelantan The Real Warriors’ (TRW) success in breaching Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) goal was described as the best tonic for the team, despite suffering a 1-4 defeat in the Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tonight.

TRW assistant head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli said the goal by Muhammad Nor Azam Abdul Azih in the 73rd minute proved the players’ courage and ability to compete against a formidable side.

He said the achievement would also serve as a confidence boost ahead of their match against Negeri Sembilan on Dec 24.

“I commend the players’ commitment. They were not afraid to play well, were able to control the game and create chances. Although we only scored once, it is a good tonic for our team ahead of the Negeri Sembilan match,” he told a post-match press conference.

He also praised the players’ fitness levels, noting that they were able to maintain high intensity throughout the 95 minutes despite constant pressure from JDT.

Meanwhile, JDT head coach Xisco Munoz has called on his players to remain fully focused and avoid unnecessary mistakes that could lead to their goal being breached, despite the team’s impressive run of form.

However, he stressed that defensive errors should not be blamed solely on the goalkeeper.

“...no, it’s not just the goalkeeper’s mistake. We can’t afford to lose the ball so easily, (but) sometimes the keeper can’t react perfectly (or make every save) and that’s understandable,” he said.

Nevertheless, Munoz expressed satisfaction with his players’ overall performance and remains confident that JDT are on the right track to defend their 12th consecutive championship.

For the record, JDT, who top the league table with 36 points from 12 matches so far, have conceded only five goals this season.

-- BERNAMA