Kuala Lumpur City, the host Malaysia team, picked up just one point after their debut with PSM Makassar from Indonesia 0-0 draw in the AFC Cup 2022 group stage Group H at the KLFA Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
PSM Makassar, playing in the AFC Cup for the second time, were eager to prove a point, while Kuala Lumpur City (KL City) were making their first appearance in the Continental club competition.
KL City took the game to PSM Makassar in the very first minute with Paulo Josue advancing down the right flank before sending an inviting cross into the path of Kevin Koubemba, who failed to make the most of the chance.
The Indonesian side were happy to soak up the pressure and had a first look at goal in the ninth minute after Everton Nascimento tried to dribble into a packed KL City box before Wiljan Pluim pounced on a loose ball, testing goalkeeper Azri Ghani from distance.
KL City upped the pressure and came close to finding the opener in the 20th minute when Josue’s shot from distance forced a fine save from PSM Makassar keeper Reza Arya Pratama.
Bojan Hodak’s KL City continued to toil in front of goal with Akram Mahinan missing a chance in the 28th minute after angling his header wide from close range before Koubemba wasted another chance to score when he headed straight into the arms of Reza.
Despite their lack of chances against the home side, PSM Makassar had the best chance of the half when Pluim did well to evade his marker but his effort from above the box was denied by the crossbar in the 42nd minute.
KL City continued to dominate possession in the second half and saw a wonderful chance to take the lead just before the hour mark slip away when Zhafri Yahya floated a neat long ball to Josue, who nodded down for Romel Morales, only for the forward to hit his shot against woodwork.
Both sides couldn’t find the breakthrough in the remaining minutes with PSM Makassar now facing a must win match against Tampines Rovers on Monday before the Singapore side take on KL City in the group’s final game on Thursday.
Credit Photo : Simon Yap/SNE Images
