Kuala Lumpur City keep opportunity in first match after beating Sri Pahang FC with a score of 1-0 in the Piala Malaysia 2023 Quarter-Final first leg at KLFA Stadium, Cheras.
A balanced game was played by both teams but SPFC had the best chance as early as the sixth minute when Kuvondik Rusiev’s pass found Kpah Sherman but his attempt was saved by Kevin Ray Mendoza.
Sri Pahang goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi Roslan excelled in denying two consecutive attempts in the 14th minute through Paulo Josue’s header and Tchetche Kipre’s shot before Izham also parried Zhafri Yahya’s attempt a minute later.
The game became more lively after the break which saw both teams exchange attacks, but neither attempt was able to translate into a goal to change the score of the match.
KL City got a golden opportunity through a free kick at a good angle in the 54th minute but Paulo Josue’s pass towards the penalty box failed to be met by any of the home team’s players.
The home team finally broke the deadlock through a penalty kick completed by Romel Morales in the 72nd minute after Josue was brought down by SPFC defender Syazwan Andik Ishak.
KL City was shocked when they had to play with 10 players starting in the 82nd minute when Kenny Pallraj was shown a second yellow card which saw him ordered off the field.
Credit Photo : Simon Yap/SNE-Photo
