Battered in Beirut
Darby’s side beaten in Lebanon
By Walter Pless
Former Tasmanian coaching director Steve Darby was devastated when his Malaysian side Perak were beaten 5-0 away in Beirut by Lebanese team Safa in the second-leg of the Asian Cup-Winners’ Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Safa won 7-0 on aggregate, having beaten Perak 2-0 away in Ipoh two weeks ago.
Safa, who led 2-0 at the interval in Beirut, scored twice through Rony Azar and once each through Hussein Tahan, Mohammad Kassas and Mahmoud El Zoughbi.
Speaking from Dubai airport on the way home to Malaysia, Darby said everything had gone against his side.
“We played well for 40 minutes and we hit the post four times,” said Darby, who also coached Devonport City and New Town Eagles during his Tasmanian stint.
“Then, they hit two quick goals just before the break and we ran out of petrol.
“I only had 14 players as five had walked out because they hadn’t been paid.
“On top of that, the players went 14 hours without food and drink because of Ramadan fasting, and after nightfall, when they could eat, they broke their fast only with dates and noodles.
“They were also suffering from a lack of sleep.
“In the second half, it was like watching Michael Jackson moon walking.”
Darby said he was close to the end of his three years with Perak but had no new club lined up as yet.