U-19 squad keep sight of winning
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah maintain their sights of winning despite carrying a minor setback when they face Pahang in the Group A Youth Cup league match at the IIUM field in Pekan, Pahang, today.
The state football under-19 squad performed notably better in recent matches thanks to the aid of players from the President's Cup squad.
However, unlike in the previous three matches where they had five players from the State Under21 side, Azman Mastar's squad now have the services of only Mohd Hizaz Mohd Lokman and Muhammad Syamil Nizam.
Previously, the team were aided by Joslan Aping, Gerald Gadit and Mohd Syukri but the trio have been recalled to their original squad.
This development is considered a setback but according to Azman, it has not changed the team's target to win the three points.
"It is unfortunate for us not to have the other three players but it gives some of our own players a chance to prove their worth. Our target has not changed and we still aim for the three points," said the team manager when contacted yesterday.
Azman is confident that his charges will complete their mission of winning three out of the four matches to be played consecutively away from home. The game today is the last of the four.
Previously, the young Sabah squad (coached by Mohd Aiyyman Johnny Abdullah), drew 1-1 with Perak PKNP FC before edging Selangor 1-0 and beating Bukit Jalil Sports School (U16) 4-1.
The team's run of good form has lifted them from ninth spot to third with 10 points in five matches from a record of three wins, one draw and one defeat.
Pahang on the other hand are seventh in the 11-team standings on six points, while Terengganu FC IV are still at the top with 14. Three points adrift in second spot are Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Azman admitted that a blunt strike force was one of the weaknesses of the team but noted that their strikers had been improving in every game.
"They have now scored six goals in three matches and I hope it has helped to boost their confidence to score more goals," he said.
After their game today, Sabah will return home to host Penang at the Penampang Stadium on Sunday (April 8).