Just A Few Things: PKNS Vs. Perak

Relieved Perak Sets Up Intense 2nd Leg

Perak came out swinging after an even first half searching for the equalizer and an important away goal. They kept peppering the PKNS box with attacks, but got absolutely frustrated when they didn’t get anything in return. When PKNS got a 2nd goal, despair sets among the Perak camp as they prepare to leave Shah Alam Stadium with nothing despite their strong efforts.

Then, a major lifeline was given to them deep into stoppage time when PKNS’ K. Reuben clumsily barged into Perak captain, Nasir Basharudin while he was in the air. Perak was in ecstasy when the penalty was given. Up stepped Wander Luiz to perfectly place the penalty to give Perak relief and a deserved vital away goal to set up a very interesting 2nd leg.

One Physical & Heated Battle

Both sides started off with pure aggression. They went body-to-body trying to win the ball. Both sides were looking to use physicality to get a good grip of the match as they try to outmuscle one another where two players became the heart of this battle (More on that later). The match almost reached boiling point where a number of strong fouls between the teams didn’t sit well with one another.

At first, PKNS thought they got the better of the Bos Gaurus after not only frustrating Perak but also scored thanks to an in-form Faris Ramli. But one change made by Mehmet Durakovic swung the tie in Perak’s favor.

Beto Makes A Strong Case

Kenny Pallraj started in his newfound role as the right-winger. While he showed his usual tenacity, a problem became apparent as time went on. He makes good runs down on the right, but his deliveries were not dangerous enough to trouble PKNS at all.

Durakovic reacted by bringing on Khairil Anuar, otherwise known as Beto for Kenny at half-time. It took him a few minutes to get it going, but Perak transformed into a much more threatening side. Beto was not afraid to take on his markers despite being outnumbered. His dribbling and creativity was a sight to see, so you can imagine the disbelief when he somehow dragged a sitter wide. One thing is clear: Beto needs to start in the 2nd leg after this encouraging display

Romel Vs. Leandro

One matchup that has caught the attention is between PKNS’ Romel Morales and Perak’s Leandro Dos Santos. They were looking to assert their dominance in the middle of the park, but it wind up even between the two midfielders as they cancel each other out in the first half. In the end, you could say Leandro had the last laugh when Perak came away with a crucial away goal after dominating the 2nd half. But with the 2nd leg looming, Romel will surely have a point to prove and looking to get the better of the Brazilian.

Keep a Close Eye On Shahril

Shahril Shaari will surely wonder what would’ve been had the scoreline stayed at 2-0. The former Sarawak keeper displayed a composed and brave performance in the face of Perak’s threatening offense. He even performed two brilliant saves in the first half to deny Amirul Azhan and Gilmar’s rocket shots where the latter’s effort was heading into the top corner.

He was on top of his game to do his best on repelling any Perak attack. You can feel the frustration where he couldn’t save Wander Luiz’ penalty to deny the away goal. But if he keeps a consistent form, he may make his national team debut sooner than later.