Sabah U-19 in 3-1 comeback win

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah under-19 squad came back from a goal down to beat hosts Penang 3-1 in Group A of the Youth Cup challenge yesterday.

Mohammad Shahrizan Saidin's brace made the difference in Batu Kawan as Sabah edged closer to securing a place in the quarterfinals.

Home team Penang made a positive start by taking the lead on 13 minutes through midfielder Mohammad Faizal Kadir.

It proved to be only a minor setback as Sabah got into gear and equalised in the 37th minute.

Striker Mohd Hizaz Lokman's confident effort found the back of the net and more importantly it triggered a spirited comeback from the state juniors.

However, Sabah needed to wait until the 71st minute before getting their reward for positive display, with Shahrizan netting to make it 2-1.

The forward then made the points safe with his second and Sabah's third of the evening in the 80th minute.

The victory saw Sabah maintain their second place in the 10-team Group A, collecting 28 points from eight wins, four draws and three losses.

The Mohd Aiyyman Shah Johny Abdullah-coach side need only one point from their three remaining games to be assured of a top four finish, thus advancing into the quarterfinals.

Sabah will next face third placed PKNS FC at the Penampang Stadium on July 22.