KUALA Lumpur City could be left to rue a string of missed opportunities in the 0-0 draw with PSM Makassar yesterday, a result which leaves things a little dicey in the AFC Cup Group H.
With both teams to face Singapore's Tampines Rovers in the next few days, KL coach Bojan Hodak acknowledged there is all to play for in the three-team group, with only the top-placed team guaranteed to advance to the knockout stage.
Twice KL struck the woodwork through Romel Morales, when it appeared easier to score, and Irfan Zakaria, while Makassar goalkeeper Reza Pratama pulled off fine saves to deny Paulo Josue and Kevin Koubemba in the first half.
"I am always disappointed when we do not win, but sometimes we need to look at the reality," said Hodak of the Super League side's failure to score in a second consecutive match.
"We did everything well, and I am happy with the defence because we didn't concede a goal and played how we're supposed to play, but attacking, this is our problem and that is the real reason why we need to sign a new striker.
"Everything is open in the group, and there are also good teams, so I think it will be interesting for the fans."
Makassar coach Bernardo Tavares, who again expressed his unhappiness with the change in the schedule, which forces his club to play two games in four days, was happy to take the point despite counting the walking wounded ahead of Monday's meeting with Tampines in Cheras.
The Indonesian League 1 side rarely threatened KL goalkeeper Azri Ghani, playing in place of Kevin Mendoza due to the limit on foreign players in the AFC Cup, as striker Everton Nascimento was kept quiet by the home defenders.
"If we had won, we would be in a better position, but now we will play against a fresh team," said Tavares after his team's first game of the season.
"Some are tired, we have two days to make a miracle.
"At this moment, everything will depend on who will or will not recover."