Junior Rhinos edge by Sarawak 1-0

KOTA KINABALU: Goal-shy Sabah junior Rhinos went down 1-0 to Sarawak to remain winless in the Youth Cup 2015 league.

Thestateunder-19squaddominated for large part of the game but could not bounce back from an 18th minute goal strike from Muhamad Yazir Ahdzar, which was enough to give Sarawak a win at the State Stadium in Kuching on Sunday.

The defeat left Sabah without a win in their opening two matches having lost to Malacca 1-3 in the season opener the previous weekend.

“The game was ours...we were unlucky not to claim all three points,” coach Razali Zinin said when contacted yesterday.

“We deserved better after a much improved performance compared to our first game against Malacca.

“We dominated almost the entire game and created enough chances.

“Twice we were denied by the posts and another an open goal, but we failed to find the back of the net.

“Sarawak had one chance and scored...that made the difference,” he added.

Despite the defeat, Razali was encouraged by the better display especially with some of his first team playersmissing either through suspension or injuries.

One area that needed quick fix is up front. While he could not fault their determination, failure to score is hurting the team.

“Fazreil (Hanafi Stepanus) did well to pressure the home defence and it was from his cross, which beat the goalkeeper, that allowed Yuseddy (Yusiman) with the open goal opportunitythatwent begging.

“We need to make improvement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Razali praised flanker Muhamad Zaki Sapri who did well despite being played out-of-position at centre midfield in place of suspended captain Malik Jukup.

“He was my man-of-the-match. He had to come off though through injury after a two-footed challenge from the opponent...yet only a yellow card was shown.

“Except for the result, overall I’m happy with the team. For me it was our best game, they were good and clicked well on the pitch.

“It’s a good sign and hopefully we will be able to register our first win when we hostKelantan next.

“By t hen Malik will return and hopefully Rikson Pang Tabias as well as Zaki too will be available to strengthen the team.

“I hope the fans will come and supports the junior players,” he said.

The match against Kelantan will be played at the Penampang Stadium on February 22.