Penang coach Akmal says call on penalties against JDT spot on

PETALING JAYA: Penang coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli has no quarrel on the three penalties awarded to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) during their 0-5 loss in the Super League on Thursday.

Despite JDT converting two of the spot-kicks at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Akmal isn’t disputing the calls made by the referee.

Akmal said the penalties that were awarded by match referee Razlan Joffri Ali were accurate and indisputable as they were reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

“I can’t argue the decisions because Razlan is the best referee in Malaysia at the moment,” he said.

“I believe he made the right calls and I am satisfied with my players.”

After Natxo Insa started the scoresheet in the third minute, new striker Jorge Obregon doubled the Southern Tigers’ lead in the 41st.

JDT’s first penalty came before half-time when Penang’s Rafael Vitor fouled Obregon, but Arif Aiman Hanapi’s shot went over the bar.

Obregon then scored his second goal in the second half, after which Bergson Da Silva converted a VAR-approved penalty from a foul by Penang’s Richmond Ankrah in the 68th minute.

Arif then made up for his missed penalty when he got another chance in added time after VAR ruled penalty from a challenge by Penang defender Adib Abdul Raop inside the box, making it five for the home side.

Currently sitting in seventh in the Super League table, Akmal said his players still gave their best during the match with several key opportunities.

“The players played well but we lost to one of the best teams in Asia. That’s something that happens in football.

“You pay the price for not capitalising on scoring chances. But we will regroup and see what needs to be done for our next fixture against Negri Sembilan,” he said.

Akmal also praised newcomer Dylan Wenzel-Halls for his performance on the pitch as the Australian was placed on the wing.

“That’s not his usual position because he is a striker. But when he played on the wing he showed a good style and I’m satisfied with his game since he hadn’t played competitively for almost two months,” he said.

Penang will play Negri next on Sept 22, while league leaders JDT take on Kelantan on the same night.