DPMM claimed a 1-0 victory over Penang in the opening round of the Super League's regular season on Sunday. The away side took all three points despite playing with ten men for much of the second half, while the hosts suffered a second red card that ultimately cost them.
And here's the thing — the match turned before the goal even came. By the 44th minute, F. Mazlan had received his marching orders after just two yellow cards in the space of six minutes. To be fair, Penang had dominated possession at 55 per cent, but that advantage evaporated when they dropped down to ten men. The hosts pressed forward into the half, making a substitution at 45+3, but could not break through.
The decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute when M. Oliveira found the net for DPMM. The visitors had been patient, waiting for Penang to tire after the disciplinary issues. Three substitutions came together at 72 minutes, but DPMM's luck ran out when T. Mawat picked up two yellows in quick succession at 74 minutes. The game became open, and DPMM held firm despite the numerical parity.
The statistics tell an uneven story. Penang registered 116 attacks and 10 corners against DPMM's 89 attacks and zero corners. The hosts had 14 shots off target to DPMM's four, but only five shots on target compared to four for the visitors. Possession remained with Penang at 55 per cent, yet the away side converted their limited opportunities into the only goal of the match.
The result leaves Penang in 10th place with zero points from two games, while DPMM move up to seventh with three points. It is a reversal of form from May, when Penang beat DPMM 2-1 in the same fixture. The visitors will take confidence from holding their shape after going down to ten men, even if their defensive record needs improvement.
