Peres makes debut count

KUCHING: Gabriel Peres made an instant impact for Kuching City FC, scoring twice to rescue a 2-2 draw against Tampines Rovers FC in their ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup Group A opener at Stadium Taha Ariffin last night (Oct 7).

Making his first appearance for Kuching City at the stadium, the Brazilian centre-back showed his attacking quality when he found the net twice in the final minutes to keep the hosts from suffering defeat.

Peres said he was pleased with his first outing in Kuching City and credited the team’s hard work and head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak’s demands in training for helping him settle in.

“I feel good. It was my first match in Kuching and in this stadium. I’ll try my best in every match.

The two-goal hero reflects on a debut to remember after helping Kuching City fight back for a 2-2 draw.

“The whole team works hard every day, and the coach pushes us every day. So I’m happy,” he said during the post-match press conference.

His first goal came in the 87th minute, when Peres spotted space in front of him and opted to shoot rather than look for another pass.

“I practise shooting in every training session because I like to shoot.

“Sometimes we cannot play through the middle, so we try to crossed the ball. But I saw the space and, and in my mind, I wanted to try shooting,” added.

Aidil was pleased to see Peres trusts his ability when the opportunity came, saying the defender’s shooting had been one of his strengths in training.

“He is very good. That’s why you can see he has the strength and the quality.

“It is good that he took the chances whenever given,” Aidil said.

Peres completed his brace in stoppage time, rising to meet Joao Pedro’s cross from the left and heading home to send the home crowd into celebration.

Although disappointed not to take all three points, Peres said he wanted to build on his performance and contribute more to the team in the matches ahead.

“Of course, I want to win every match, but this is football. I want to keep this performance and use it to help the team. I want to give more in the next game,” he said.