PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya City attacker R. Kogileswaran, who is on Malaysia’s standby list for the King’s Cup tournament in Thailand this month, has been more of a regular substitute than a certainty in the Phoenix’s first XI.
But trust him to rise to the big occasion when he’s called upon to do so.
The man known simply as “Kogi” reminded the supporters of his quality when his gem of a strike against mighty Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the 91st minute salvaged a home 2-2 draw for PJ City in the Super League on Thursday.
What made the goal special was the element of surprise.
After being put through by A. Shivan Pillay’s pass, many were expecting Kogileswaran to simply round JDT keeper Farizal Marlias and slot the ball home.
But the 23-year-old decided to measure his run, take his time before unleashing a superb right-footed curler from 20m to beat the experienced Farizal.
Kogileswaran said the memorable goal gave him an emotional high.
“It’s special as I scored it against the best side in Malaysia. It also came in stoppage time and rescued a point for us,” he said.
“Given the quality of the goal and the timing, this draw felt like a win for us as it was against JDT.
“The last goal I scored was against Sarawak United on April 23 (PJ City lost 1-3).
“Since then, it has been a goal drought for me and then this happened.
“So, I just can’t help being emotional about it.”
PJ City remain 10th in the league with 17 points from 18 matches, while JDT are top with 43 points from 17 games.