ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 17 (Bernama) — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz admitted that his team only found their rhythm after scoring the opening goal in their 5-0 victory over UM-Damansara FC in the FA Cup first-round at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night.
He said the early stages were difficult as the players struggled to control the tempo, but the breakthrough changed the momentum of the game.
“The first goal was very important for us. Before that, we couldn’t find the rhythm we wanted, but after scoring, the team played with more confidence and intensity. From there, we pressed harder and created more opportunities.
“It is never easy to score the first goal, but once we did, the game became more open and we had more chances,” he told reporters after the match.
Asked whether he was satisfied with the team’s overall performance after three competitive matches this season, the coach stressed that improvements were still necessary, particularly in home games.
“Of course not. One of the most important things is that at home we must perform better. The players are still adapting, especially the new ones, to the intensity here. Step by step we need to find the right balance. At the moment, we are creating many chances, including penalties, but in attack we must use our capacity more effectively,” he explained.
A1 League side UM Damansara FC took a heavy blow in the 38th minute when captain Hariz Mansor was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
The breakthrough came just before half-time, with JDT’s Argentine left back Jonathan Silva finding the net in the 44th minute and went on to add his second of the night with a header ten minutes into the second half, putting the Southern Tigers firmly in control.
Meanwhile, UM- Damansara FC Coach Ridzuan Abu Shah said was satisfied with his team’s performance despite losing 5-0 to JDT.
He said his team played brilliantly at the start of the match before facing a second yellow card incident which resulted in Hariz Mansor being shown the red card.
— BERNAMA
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