KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC are grappling with a player shortage crisis despite the recent kickoff of the new Super League season over the weekend.
KL City managed to secure just one point in their latest match as they were forced to a draw 1-1 against Kuching City at Cheras Stadium yesterday.
Their troubles escalated when defender Kamal Azizi sustained a hand fracture in the opening minute of their clash when he was struck by an opponent’s shot, necessitating his substitution by J. Partiban.
Azizi’s injury is expected to sideline him for four to five weeks as he recovers.
The team faced further setbacks when Adrijan Rudovic was shown a red card in the 39th minute for fouling Jordan Mintah, leaving KL City with only 10 players on the field.
Adding to their woes, Anwar Ibrahim and new Serbian import Lazar Sijic, were also sidelined due to injuries and were not in the lineup to face Kuching City.
Although KL City will not be playing any matches this week, coach Miroslav Kuljanac deemed the 13-day period insufficient to find suitable replacements ahead of their clash with the 10-time champions Johor Darul Ta’zim on May 25.
“I need to review the medical reports first. Lazar will not be ready, Rudovic will not play due to receiving a red card, and the same goes for Kamal Azizi. We’ll have to see who can step in for the next match,” said Kuljanac.
Furthermore, Kuljanac expressed dissatisfaction with the red card shown to Rudovic even though the decision was reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Initially, Rudovic was shown a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Jordan Mintah. However, after a VAR review, referee S. Logeswaran upgraded the sanction to a red card, disrupting KL City’s lineup.
“Undoubtedly, the outcome would have been different if we maintained 11 players. It took a long time (VAR review) – about 17 minutes including extra time, to finish the first half.”
“However, we remain a formidable team, posing a threat to our opponents and employing a low block tactic. Surviving in this game is exceedingly challenging,” he added.
Yesterday’s draw has positioned KL City in fifth place in the Super League standings. – May 13, 2024