Junior Rhinos down S’gor United

Sabah fought back from a goal down to edge Selangor United FC 2-1 at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah fought back from a goal down to edge Selangor United FC 2-1 at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium yesterday.

The victory courtesy of goals from Stanley Sulong and captain Muhammad Zaki Sapri propelled Sabah to the top of the President Cup Group A standings.

More importantly, the Junior Rhinos’ 12th win of the campaign has put them in a comfortable position to finish in the top four and thus book their quarterfinal spot.

“We are very happy with the win which sent us to the top of the group since Kedah are not playing today (yesterday).

“All credit to the players for ensuring we achieved the target of getting maximum points in consecutive away fixtures,” team manager Mohd Yassin Aman said after the game.

Sabah found themselves trailing to Mohamad Arrieffahmi Mohamad Azam’s 15th minute strike but Stanley’s 10th league goal of the season levelled the match just five minutes later.

Zaki then turned match winner with his 50th minute strike to claim all three points.

“As the score suggests, the game was not easy as the slippery pitch made it hard for the players to play their usual game.

“Apart from that, the match was stopped in the first half due to thunderstorm and this had affected the players’ momentum.

“I’m glad that the players tried their best when play resumed to get the three points,” added Yassin.

With the victory, Sabah moved to 37 points from 16 matches to replace Kedah, who are on 34 points, as the Group A leaders.

However, it may only be temporary as Kedah still have a game in hand playing away to Pahang on May 14.

The other two quarterfinal spots are currently occupied by third place Kelantan on 26 points from 15 games and Johor Darul Takzim III on 25 points from 14 matches.

For the record, the competition will take a two-month break after the matches on May 14.

The Junior Rhinos will take on Malacca at home when they resume play on July 19.

POSITIVE OUTCOME: Junior Rhinos players and officials celebrating the 2-1 President Cup Group A victory over Selangor United FC at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium yesterday.