Kedah end Junior Rhinos win streak
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah suffered their second defeat of the season after being edged 10 by Kedah in the President’s Cup Group A match at the Likas Stadium here yesterday.
The solitary goal was scored by Mohd Khairuddin Mohd Salleh, who was hailed as Kedah’s hero after his free kick from just outside the box beat Sabah custodian Mohd Sakri Masri in the 76th minute.
It was a match involving the top two sides in the group and aside from the solitary goal, both teams were evenly matched in this opening fixture of the second round.
Sabah however created more chances in front of goal, especially in the second half, but failed to make them count.
Team manager Mohd Yassin Aman said the team had been on a winning run and that yesterday’s defeat was a bitter pill for them to swallow.
“I think at times Kedah seemed more organised and unfortunately for us, a single goal was all they needed to come out as winners.
“Whatever it is, we accept this defeat. There is not much I can complain about because the players gave their best effort. They played with their heart right until the final whistle,” Yassin said.
He said Sabah will take inspiration from the defeat to try and bounce back in the remainder of the season, which has a long way to go to the end.
“The sad thing is that our winning run of six consecutive matches has ended and that this was our first home defeat of the season.
“But we remain at the top of the standings and there is still a long way to go before the end. I am confident we will bounce back from this defeat,” Yassin said.
Yesterday’s result did not change Sabah’s position at the top of the 11-team standings. They are still on 27 points, three clear of Kedah.
The win for Kedah was sweet redemption for an earlier defeat to the same opponent in the first round.
Sabah will continue their challenge against Pahang at the Likas Stadium on Monday (April 23).