Kelantan played their first match last night against Penang without their star striker, Mohamed Ghaddar, and it did not end so well.
Ghaddar left the Red Warriors during the transfer window to join the Southern Tigers, Johor Darul Ta’zim. Ghaddar’s departure heavily impacted the team’s performance, even though they have already signed another striker to take his place: Bako.
Bako, who had just arrived in Malaysia last week, played his first Super League match against Penang. He was clearly overwhelmed by the pressure and expectations from the Kelantan fans.
Bako definitely had his moments, he initiated attack as early as the first minute, and then it was almost a goal when he went in for a volley, but it went wide. He had a few more chances, but eventually it was Thinagaran and Daniel Ashraf who netted goals for the Red Warriors.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw and both Penang and Kelantan went home with 1 point.
Inevitably, Kelantan FA’s adviser Tan Sri Annuar Musa voiced his dissatisfaction towards Kelantan’s mediocre performance.
“The Red Warriors need to improve a lot. Ghaddar’s position has not been filled.” Tan Sri Annuar Musa vented via a statement on Facebook.
“Bako seemed stressed last night. His real position is attacking midfield, and that’s where he should play. He’s not a striker.”
“We need to replace Ghaddar and Celin with a new striker and target man. Our team’s tactics also need to change.” the former KAFA president said.
“We need to change and adapt. Maybe we need to make use of Alfredo’s Latin football methods.”
In another statement, Tan Sri Annuar Musa also revealed that Kelantan’s performance was “weak” and the style of play was “negative”. If they keep playing this way, it’s going to be tough for the Red Warriors to clinch the Malaysia Cup.
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