Rhinos out to break Felda’s win streak
Sabah are determined to spoil ‘the record’ when they host Felda United FC in the Premier League’s biggest clash of the season in Kota Kinabalu, tonight.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah are determined to spoil ‘the record’ when they host Felda United FC in the Premier League’s biggest clash of the season here, tonight.
The match at the Likas Stadium kicks off at 8.15pm and Sabah will do their best to try and narrow the six-point gap with leaders Felda.
Sabah are unbeaten and currently in second on 12 points, while Felda are still at the top with 18 points thanks to a perfect record of six wins from as many matches.
Sabah head coach Jelius Ating said there will be intense rivalry as both sides look to snag the points.
“I think this is the biggest league game of the season, but for us it is all the same. We have to be ready and will face the opponent with the same attitude. We will give our best performance with only one target in sight - to get three points.
“Indeed, Felda are a good team. They have won six games, but this is the kind of situation that motivates our players to try to win,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
Jelius hoped that the home ground advantage coupled with strong support from the fans would help them to spoil the opponent’s record.
“We also have an unbeaten record in this league. If the team can give their best performance, I believe we will be a tough obstacle for Felda,” he said.
Sabah welcomes the return of experienced defender, Mafry Balang, who will be re-listed in the starting line-up after serving a one-match suspension.
Jelius noted that Mafry’s presence could prompt him to maintain the 3-5-2 formation.
“Before this, we used the 4-4-2 formation to beat UiTM FC 3-1 on Tuesday,” he pointed out.
Mafry is expected to partner with Rawilson Batuil and Francis Kasonde for a solid defensive stance in front of number one custodian Robinson Rendy Rining.
Heo Jaenyong will orchestrate in midfield along with Sabri Sahar and Mohd Azizan Nordin, while Maxsius Musa and Jenius Karib will assist as wingers.
The same duo of Lee Gil Hoon and Hector Ramos will lead the strike force.