Sabah U-19 clinch final point to cement q-final spot
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Under-19 squad have clinched the all-important one point to cement their quarter-final berth in the Youth Cup challenge.
The state youngsters were held 1-1 by PKNS FC yesterday but the outcome at the Penampang Stadium yesterday ensured they would finish in the top four of Group A regardless of the results of their remaining two matches.
Sabah U-19 retained the second placing on 29 points from eight wins, five draws, three losses, which was beyond the reach of the teams placed fifth and below.
“It feels good to secure our place in the top eight.
“However, we still have two more games which we hope to bring home the six points from the away fixtures,” said acting team manager Lokman Sunggim after the match.
After a scoreless first half, Sabah U-19 put in extra efforts to find the goal which finally arrived in the 58th minute.
Syann Elven Steven’s reputation as a goal-scoring defender continued to grow as he put the home team front with a fine effort.
Sabah U-19 could have celebrated their passage into the last eight with a win but Muhammad Asraff Alifuddin Yasin had other ideas.
The striker netted in the 79th minute for the equaliser to set up a nervy finish to the game but Sabah held on for the allimportant one point to cement their place in the next round.
The squad’s last two games will be away to Group A table toppers Terengganu FC IV on July 25 and quarter-final-chasing Kuala Lumpur on July 29.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Under21 squad will take on fifth placed Selangor in the President Cup Group A tie at the Likas Stadium today.
The Junior Rhinos have already secured their quarter-final slots but head coach Johnny Dominicus would want the team to maintain their top position in the 11-team group.
Sabah were on 40 points from 13 wins, one draw and three losses while closest rivals Kedah were on 37 points and Johor Darul Takzim II on 34 points with three games to play.
The first round meeting between the teams saw Mohd Shariman Mukarim’s brace helped Sabah U-21 to a 2-0 win over hosts Selangor.