KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah's Super League hopes took a major hit after an ongoing player boycott over unpaid wages resulted in a crushing 5-0 defeat to KL City on Saturday.
With the majority of the first team refusing to train, coach Nafuzi Zain was forced to rely on inexperienced Under-23 players, leaving his side vulnerable in the one-sided contest at the KLFA Stadium, Cheras.
"I knew it would be tough," admitted Nafuzi.
"Our young players, who played in the Sarawak Malaysia Cup, barely had time to prepare."
Nafuzi stressed the need for a swift resolution to the wage crisis, urging the club to act before further damage is done to their Super League campaign.
"This is a major test of our resilience, but we need a resolution soon to get back to winning ways."
Making matters worse, Kedah have lost goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi, who will likely join Selangor.
KL City coach Miroslav Kuljanac praised his team's professional approach despite their own financial struggles.
The City Boys took full advantage of Kedah's weakened side, dominating the match from start to finish."
"Kedah's salary issues were clear, but my players didn't let up and played with full commitment," said Kuljanac.
"I hope Kedah resolve their issues soon."
Captain Paulo Josue was the standout, scoring twice (49th, 58th) to break Fandi Ahmad's long-standing club scoring record, now standing at 69 goals.
Kedah's nightmare was compounded by an own goal from Hazrie Balqief Zulhadi (23rd), while Jovan Motika (14th) and Zhafri Yahya (26th) also found the back of the net.
Both teams are tied on eight points, with KL City in ninth place due to a superior goal difference.