GUILHERME De Paula returned from a two-game ban to fire Kuala Lumpur to a 2-1 win over PKNS in a Super League match in Cheras on Wednesday.
The Brazilian stabbed in his seventh goal of the season just before half-time, a minute after Faris Ramli had drawn PKNS level, to lift KL to the eighth in the Super League standings on 10 points.
Paulo Josue had given KL the lead in the ninth minute when his long-range free-kick took a bounce in front of PKNS goalkeeper Shahril Shaari before settling in the net.
KL coach Fabio Maciel made four changes from the side beaten 3-0 by Perak last Sunday and was happy with the response from his players after an abject display in Ipoh.
“We suffered in this game because we had to be more defensive,” said Maciel. “PKNS last played on Friday so they had more time to rest and prepare.
“We only had a short period to recover from Sunday so we knew we would suffer. I made changes which were more tactical with a five-man defence and I’m happy we got the win.”
Maciel brought in Hisyamuddin Shaari to line up with fellow centre-backs Boburjon Akbarov and Achmad Jufriyanto while Azmeer Yusof returned as left wing-back with Firdaus Faudzi on the right.
KL mostly kept PKNS at bay though Jonathan Acosta had a shot which struck the post before PKNS coach K. Rajagobal replaced the forward with Safee Sali five minutes prior to the break.
Rajagobal was disappointed his side conceded twice from a lack of concentration.
“We started well and dominated the first half. We pressed KL and had control of the ball,” he said.
“But in the attacking third we were not aggressive and didn’t take our chances. I told the players that Josue is dangerous from set-pieces and the goal he scored was too easy.
“I was disappointed with that. And less than one minute after we scored, we let in another.”
PKNS, who have reached the FA Cup semi-finals, remain in sixth spot in the table on 11 points. – BY DEVINDER SINGH
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