Penang: Penang FC's aspirations for redemption following last week's Challenge Cup disappointment were thwarted when they faced Sabah FC, resulting in a 0-0 draw during a Super League match at the City Stadium.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the match unfolded under sweltering conditions, with both teams adopting a cautious approach, leading to a first half devoid of any shots on target and characterized by midfield play. The second half saw an increased offensive effort from Penang FC, with the Black Panthers earning a corner in the 47th minute. However, Jose Elmer Porteria's corner kick was not capitalized on by Muhammad Izzat Zikri Izziruddin.
The match continued with Penang FC being awarded a free kick in the 60th minute, but Omid Musawi's attempt was comfortably saved by Sabah's goalkeeper, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat. Controversy erupted in the 71st minute when Sabah's Dame James Ingham appeared to foul Douglas Coutinho in the penalty area, but no penalty was given after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review conducted by referee Muhammad Munir Mohd Izam.
As the match progressed, tensions rose, culminating in Sabah FC being reduced to 10 players after substitute Jafri Chew received a red card following a foul on Omid Musawi. Despite this, the match concluded with neither team managing to score.
Penang FC head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, at the post-match press conference, acknowledged that the absence of four key players due to injuries and suspensions disrupted the team's rhythm. He admitted that the team appeared 'disjointed' in attack, hindering their ability to create scoring opportunities. Wan Rohaimi expressed hope for the return of key player Dylan Wenzel-Halls and urged other players to elevate their performances in upcoming matches.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC head coach Juan Torres Garrido considered the draw a fair outcome, reflecting on the different styles of play exhibited by both teams throughout the match. He noted that while Sabah dominated parts of the game, the match resulted in a draw due to the limited goal-scoring opportunities for both sides.