Rhinos to play for maximum points
The Rhinos are eyeing a posi ve result when they take on Selangor in their Group D second round opener of the Malaysia Cup compe on tonight.
KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos are eyeing a positive result when they take on Selangor in their Group D second round opener of the Malaysia Cup competition tonight.
To be played at the Shah Alam Stadium starting 9pm, the state senior squad know well that the maximum points would edge them closer to securing a quarterfinal slot.
Seven points from their three first round matches have put Sabah in a good position to claim one of the quarter-final spots from Group D.
In fact, Sabah need only four points from the nine points up for grab in the remaining games to confirm the spot.
In the mean time, head coach Jelius Ating hoped the sooner they get nearer to the targeted four points the better.
“I hope we can get the job done as quickly as possible and not wait until the last group fixtures.
“The first opportunity is against Selangor and if we can take the maximum points, we need only one point from the next two matches to qualify.
“We will be going for the positive result (against Selangor),” he said yesterday.
Unbeaten Sabah are currently second in Group D on seven points while their hosts lay at the bottom of the pile with three straight defeats.
With that in mind, coupled with Sabah’s 2-1 comeback win in their first round meeting here last week, Jelius warned the players against feeling overconfident.
He noted that Selangor remained a tough team to play against and they showed at the Likas Stadium where they lost to two late goals from substitutes Rahman Shah Marajeh and Ricco Nigel Milus.
“We have to be fully ready for Selangor who will be cheered on by their fans at the Shah Alam Stadium.
“They are playing to keep their tournament alive and certainly to make amends for their defeat to us in the last game.
“We need to be extra cautious in our approach, but at the same time, go all out in search of the desired result.
“I’m quite optimistic our players are capable of delivering a good job and get something positive from the clash,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jelius is all set to recall Randy Baruh after the young fullback has recovered from injury.
Randy is almost certain to start at right back to replace striker Leopold Alfonso, who did well despite playing out-of-position during the former’s absence.
“Apart from that, the rest of the players (who started against Selangor here) will retain their places,” said Jelius.
Jelius also explained that Rahman will miss the match after suffering injury in training while injured Japanese midfielder Keisuke Ogawa was also left at home.
However, Mafry is fit enough to return to the squad, although he will start from the bench.
The probable line-up are goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim, captain Rawilson Batuil, Francis Kasonde, Randy, Alto Linus, Mohd Azzizan Nordin, Sabri Sahar, Maxsius Musa, Hamran Peter, Hector Ramos and Rodoljub Paunovic.
Also in the travelling squad are Robson Rendy Rining, Mafry Balang, Mazlan Yahya, Dendy Lowa, Ummareng Bacok, Ricco, Evan Wensley Wenceslaus and Justin Samaan.
The squad will remain in the national capital after tonight’s match to prepare for the PKNP FC tie at Penang State Stadium on September 2.
Pahang currently lead Group D on eight points while PKNP are third on four points. However, both teams have played a game more than Sabah and Selangor.