Match Report: ATM 2-3 KL City
Another game where KL City almost surrendered a healthy half-time lead but held on to take the three points.
ATM went in to their match with KL City knowing that after PFA Odin’s defeat they would cling onto the final play-off spot whatever happened, a win for KL would guarantee them a top-six finish.
KL had a good opportunity to take the lead, Muhammad Dodie was hauled down by ATM keeper Syafuan Azizan and a penalty was awarded.
The usually reliable Daniel Almeida stepped up but the keeper redeemed himself with a good save.
Five minutes later KL did eventually go in front, Daniel’s pacy run set up a simple chance for Syahid Ajid to score.
Another good build-up from Jerry Dinesh’s side led to a second goal, captain Dinesh Kumar with a precise pass that left Sufri Shamil with an easy finish.
They added a third before half-time, Muhammad Dodie with a good turn of pace to set up Suhairy Jefri for his first goal.
The game threatened to boil over before half-time when a wild challenge from Daniel Almeida saw him and coach Jerry Dinesh booked, Almeida not happy with an early challenge and took matters into his own hands.
Things calmed down at the start of the second half but as they had on numerous occasions this season KL City had to work hard to hold onto their advantage, ATM pulled one back through Zullayka Rahman as he squeezed his shot between keeper Arith Alias and the post and a few minutes later ATM made it 3-2, excellent approach play from Akram Mukhriz saw Alif Iqwan find the net and set up a nervy finale.
Iqwan was inches away from an equaliser when his shot came back off the post, that was their final chance as KL City held on for their 7th win of the season and guaranteed a play-off spot.
ATM still have a three-point cushion over PFA Odin but take on JDT on matchday 2.
MVP: Syahid Ajid (KL City)
