MELAKA, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Melaka FC clinched their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Negeri Sembilan FC in a Super League clash at the Hang Jebat Stadium, lifting the team out of the bottom spot in the league standings.
Melaka FC head coach Datuk K. Devan said his squad started strongly in the first half, netting two early goals that boosted the players’ confidence and allowed them to maintain control throughout the opening 45 minutes.
“In the first half, our game plan and tactics worked well, allowing us to compete effectively with Negeri Sembilan FC. In the second half, we were forced to defend for long periods, but the players displayed excellent teamwork, discipline and organisation.
“We were under constant pressure from the visitors, but the players showed great commitment to ensure we kept a clean sheet,” he said when met after the match last night.
In the match, Melaka FC’s two goals were scored by Brazilian import striker Juan Douglas de Silva, who struck as early as the 3rd minute before adding his second in the 26th.
Devan said the victory was also boosted by the return of several key players, including Juan, who had previously been sidelined by injury and whose presence significantly improved the team’s playing style.
Looking ahead, Devan said Melaka FC aims to maintain their momentum but acknowledges that the challenge will be tougher when they face Kuching City FC away on Dec 19. He added that the team will work hard to secure points from the encounter.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan FC head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil described the match as unpredictable, noting that his players committed several errors that led to the goals.
“In the first half, we did not play well and conceded because of simple mistakes. In the second half, we tried to fight back… but overall, tonight’s performance was only average, and there are many areas we need to improve before the next match,” he said.
The win also lifted Melaka FC into the top 10 of the league standings, with six points from nine matches, while Negeri Sembilan FC remain in sixth place with 13 points after 10 matches.
-- BERNAMA
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