Fabio proud of defensive solidarity shown against JDT

After losing their two opening matches in the Super League, KL were seen as a side struggling to cope with the demands of a higher division, having came up from the Premier League last season. Defeats to Selangor and Negeri Sembilan meant that KL went into their third match a little short of confidence and form.

However, they sent a shock to the system by clinching their first win of the season over JDT, the clear favourites to win the league again this season. 17 hours of stoppage in the middle of the match did little to deter a motivated KL side as they earned their first points of the season.

Head coach, Fabio Joaquim Maciel da Silva knew that unlike the previous two matches, his side will not be having more of the ball possession against JDT and came out with a plan that was perfectly executed by his team.

"As I told before, we just changed a little bit of our plan. I spoke throughout the week that JDT have the quality to score goals and attack, so we have to be careful and give 100% concentration. The previous two games, we controlled the game but did not score. But now we come with another system, to defend behind the lines and we managed to create 8 clear chances," said Fabio in the post-match press conference.

Goalkeeper Kamarul Effandi was chastised over his mistake in the last match against Negeri Sembilan when he allowed the ball to bounce over him for his opponent to score but produced a much improved performance against the reigning Super League champions.

Kamarul made numerous stops and blocks as he continually deny JDT a chance of finding the equaliser. Fabio was quick to point out that his faith in Kamarul was not dented by the mistake in the previous match.

"I don't have doubt about him. He's one of the best goalkeepers here and he deserves a chance with the national team. I know people remember the mistake that he had against Negeri. Of course the ball bounce over him but I told him to play higher to cover the defence."

"I also told him the many times that he saved us last year. But human being is different, if you make 10 positive things and make one mistake, they chew on the one mistake. I'm so happy with his performance," added Fabio.

The win lifted KL off the foot of the table and into 10th spot, tied on points with 11th place and fellow newcomers, PKNP FC.a