By Lester J. Bingkasan

Juil praises Rhinos for snatching victory from jaws of defeat

KOTA KINABALU: Team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim hailed the spirited fightback from the Rhinos as the squad’s revival in the Premier League continued with a 3-2 win over MISC-MIFA here on Wednesday.

It was Sabah’s second succesive win following last week’s 3-0 away victory over UiTM FC, which ended their seven-match winless run in the league.

Juil said he hoped the victorious outing at the Likas Stadium two days ago would be a positive sign to come as the Rhinos push for promotion with five games to play in the current season.

“The commitment, determination and fighting spirit from the players were superb.

“These are the qualities that we need if we were to finish on a high in the league...I hope we will see all these in the remainder of the campagn,” he said.

Sabah made it difficult for themselves againts MISC-MIFA where some sloppy defending allowed Liberian striker Kpah Sean Sherman to score in the 17th and 33rd minutes respectively.

However, captain Rawilson Batuil pulled a goal back in the 36th minute and young striker Hamran Peter scored the equaliser in the 50th minute.

Sabah dominated with numerous scoring chances following the equaliser but it was not until in the 83rd minute when the crucial winner was achieved.

Hector Ramos produced a wonderful touch from Randy Baruh’s long ball into the box before the Puerto Rican forward slotted home with a left-footed strike.

“I’m delighted with how the players responded from being two-goal down to emerge as the winners.

“It was a hard earned win but well-deserved. Now we have another five games to play and we will do our best,” Juil said while praising Rodoljub Paunovic, who had struck a good understanding with Ramos up front in just their second game together.

Meanwhile, Sabah remained fifth in the 11-team table on 21 points from five wins, six draws and four losses.

The Rhinos are still in the race for one of the two Super League promotion berths, where they trail second place Felcra FC by four points although the latter have a game in hand.

Felda United FC are the runaway leaders with 36 points from 15 matches.

Sabah’s next match will be the Borneo derby against Sarawak in Kuching on June 26.