Quarterfinals within Sabah U-19’s grasp
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah under-19 side edged closer to securing a quarterfinal place after a crucial 2-0 win over Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) under16 in Group B of the Youth Cup challenge yesterday.
Fredric Fadzly Gusmia came off the bench to inspire Sabah, where he scored on his first touch before starting the move that led to the second goal by Adi Ali at the Penampang Stadium.
The victory moved Sabah to 22 points to remain third, but with just three matches to play they are well on track to finishing in the top four, thus cementing a place in the knock-out stage.
Team manager Mohd Yassin Aman said Sabah have one foot in the quarterfinals following the win against the Johor-based team.
“We are very happy with three points today. It was a good win on the team’s return to action after a month-long break.
“The players showed that they have been able to maintain their form and went on to beat SSTMI U-16, who edged us (1-2) in the league’s first round.
“This victory means we have one foot in the quarterfinals and we will continue to work hard to find as many points as possible in the remaining three games,” he said when met after the match.
Sabah and SSTMI U-16 went into the game yesterday separated by only a single point, with the latter sitting just below the quarterfinal slot in fifth place.
The Awang Sabtu Jamilcoached side made their intentions known by dominating the first period and could have scored a couple more goals from the various chances created.
It was not until Fredric’s 40th minute introduction for the injured Mohd Asri Rustam that Sabah found the back of the net, with the former making instant impact.
Fredric reacted the quickest to a miscommunication between SSTMI’s goalkeeper Mohd Firdaus Irman Mohd Fadhil and his defence to strike home into the unguarded net from close range.
The stocky attacking player then was heavily involved in the build up to the second goal where he picked up a long ball on the right before releasing Leonardo Lisua with a neat pass on the right to make the cross.
Adi timed his run to perfection to head into the top right corner to double Sabah’s lead.
With the win, Sabah remained third on 22 points and trailed leaders Felda United and second place Kuala Lumpur by three points while fourth place Selangor, who did not play yesterday, are on 19 points.
Sabah will face basement side Perlis next on July 9 here but they must not underestimate their opponents, especially after they registered an upset 1-0 win over Felda United.
Other results yesterday saw Kuala Lumpur beat Negeri Sembilan 3-1 and Perak edge Malacca 3-0.
Meanwhile, the Sabah under-21 side will take on PBDKT/T-Team in Group B of the President Cup at the Likas Stadium starting 4.15pm today.
The Junior Rhinos are left playing for their pride as the top four finish is beyond their reach to advance into the quarterfinals.