Penang: Penang FC's dramatic 3-2 victory over Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW) FC - their first Super League win of the season - will help ease squad pressure, though head coach Ismail admits their performance is still far from their best.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ismail stated that individual errors made life unnecessarily difficult for the Panthers at the City Stadium, forcing them to battle until the final whistle to secure all three points. "Alhamdulillah for the result. I am grateful, but this was a match we should have won more comfortably. Simple mistakes gifted the opposition two goals and put us under unnecessary pressure," he told a post-match press conference.

Wan Rohaimi, the head coach, added that eagerness to secure their maiden win of the campaign led to rushed finishing and wasted opportunities, though he praised his players' resilience in fighting until injury time for the winner. The 50-year-old coach noted that every department - defense, midfield, and attack - still had room for improvement before the next fixture.

He mentioned that the team had yet to replicate the impressive form demonstrated during their pre-season friendly tour in Thailand and Surabaya, Indonesia. "I am not asking for the impossible because they have shown better form before. I really miss seeing that level of performance," he said.

Meanwhile, KRW head coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim praised his squad's fighting spirit despite having limited player options compared to the hosts, who fielded six to seven import players. He noted that his side needed two or three import players, particularly in defense and midfield, to reinforce the current line-up and address weaknesses in dealing with high balls.

The hard-fought victory gave Penang FC their first win of the season after two losses and a draw.