KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah became the first team to beat PKNS FC in the Super League this season when they came from behind to edge their rivals 4-3 in Sunday’s match at the Shah Alam Stadium.
A brace from Liridon Krasniqi kept Kedah in the game after PKNS took the lead twice but the Red Eagles had goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim to thank for winning the match following his late penalty heroics.
PKNS started without regulars in Zachary Anderson and Safee Sali, who were nursing injuries.
Kedah coach Ramon Marcote fielded Alvaro Silva of the Philippines for the first time this season but surprisingly benched national player Syazwan Zainon and Brazilian Sandro Mendonca.
It was an even contest at the start of the first half with both teams preferring a cautious approach, but the game burst into life 30 minutes into the match.
In the 30th minute, Kedah struck the crossbar through Baddrol Bakhtiar’s free kick before finding themselves a goal down after that.
Faris Ramli shot took a wicked deflection before sailing past keeper Ifwat for PKNS’ opening goal.
However, the lead only lasted for two minutes as Kedah earned a penalty after Akhyar Rashid was brought down in the box.
Krasniqi, a midfielder, stepped up and confidently directed the ball past PKNS keeper Shahril Saari in the 33td minute.
PKNS regained their lead in the 47th minute.
Mahali Jasuli was unchallenged as he beat Kedah keeper Ifwat from the edge of the box for a 2-1 lead
Kedah grabbed the equaliser when Krasniqi curled the ball into the net for his second goal in the match.
The end-to-end match took another twist in the 69th minute when Kedah capitalised on a poor pass by Faris to take the lead.
Baddrol took advantage of the mistake and his cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate K. Reuben.
The Red Ants could have leveled things up immediately when Rafael Ramazotti was brought down inside the penalty box but the Brazilian’s spot kick was saved by custodian Ifwat.
To add insult to injury, Ariff Farhan scored Kedah’s fourth a minute into stoppage time.
Mahali pulled one back for PKNS in the third minute of stoppage time but the goal came too late for a possible fight back.