Kuala Lumpur struggling to score goals

The lack of killer instinct could see Kuala Lumpur struggle in the Malaysia Cup after ending their pre-tournament campaign with a fifth defeat in six friendly matches.

KL only scored once in the series of warm-up matches and again failed to find the back of the net as they succumbed 1-0 to Premier League side Sime Darby in Bangi on Saturday.

With their Super League top scorer Ahmad Hazwan Bakri called up by the national Olympic squad, KL are short of options upfront with only Yong Kuong Yong and Badrul Hisyam Azmi to rely upon.

"One goal and one draw is just not good enough. We created many chances but wasted them which has been our main problem.
 

"We also tend to give away easy goals, I don't know if it's because of a lack of concentration or communication," said coach Razip Ismail after watching Sime Darby's Yusri Abas tuck the ball into an empty net when KL goalkeeper Norazlan Razali collided with defender Ahmad Dashila Tajudin.

KL have not made it past the group stage of the Malaysia Cup since 1992 and they face a difficult campaign in Group D against Selangor, Kuala Terengganu T-Team and Police.

"We can't carry this form into the Malaysia Cup. Our preparation has not been good but I hope the players will buck up and change their mindsets," added Razip, who had hoped to see an improvement after the players were paid their two-month salary arrears on Friday.

On a positive note, playmaker Azwan Malek made his second appearance as a substitute after being sidelined since late February after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligaments.

Azwan's range of passing and wide vision are sorely needed as KL struggled in his absence and only escaped relegation on the final day of the Super League season.