Lacklustre to blame for Rhinos’ defeat
A lacklustre start to the Borneo derby against Sarawak proved costly for the Rhinos.
KOTA KINABALU: A lacklustre start to the Borneo derby against Sarawak proved costly for the Rhinos.
Head coach Jelius Ating likened the less than convincing start to Sabah’s Premier League encounter against Misc-Mifa here, which they fought back from two-goal down to win 3-2.
However, there was no repeat of the same fightback at the State Stadium in Petra Jaya, Kuching on Tuesday as the Rhinos suffered a 2-3 defeat to Sarawak that put a dent in their promotion quest.
Jelius revealed the players conceded two soft goals in the first half and trailed 1-3 and never recovered despite being the dominant side with enough chances that could win a game on any other day.
“It happened against Misc-Mifa and then against Sarawak. I’ve advised the players to make a good start to the game but it seemed the lesson (from Misc-Mifa game) was not learned.
“We managed to turn the tables on Misc-Mifa but this time we couldn’t against Sarawak,” he said here yesterday.
To add salt to injury, the Rhinos went all out in a much-improved second half and forced the Crocs defending in their own half but luck seemed to desert the visitors.
Efforts from Randy Baruh and Hamran Peter bounced off the upright and crossbar respectively while Hector Ramos’ shot was cleared off the line.
“We were unclucky with our efforts especially in the second half...several chances went begging,” he said.
“I’m not pointing fingers at the players because we are a team and I too as the coach have to bear the responsibility for the defeat.
“The only disappointment was that we all know the team can play much better than last night (Tuesday).
“I have faith in the players to rectify the weaknesses. What’s important also is that we must now focus on the four remaining league games to improve our standings,” he said.
Former Sabah striker Bobby Gonzales opened account for Sarawak in the 15th minute but Maxsius Musa levelled with a 25th minute goal.
However, a second goal for Bobby and Mateo Roskam in the 27th and 36th minutes respectively allowed the Crocs to lead by 3-1 going into the breather.
Ramos pulled a goal back in the 67th minute but it was all the Rhinos could show in a dominant second half display.
Sabah remained fifth on 21 points in the 11-team league with five wins, six draws and five losses from 16 matches.
The Rhinos’ remaining league fixtures are away to Terengganu FC II on July 13, Penang (July 18 - home), Felcra FC (July 22 - home) and away to PDRM on a date yet to be confirmed.