Junior Tambadaus register first win

KOTA KINABALU: The Junior Tambadaus defeated Penang 20 to register their first win in Group A of the President Cup challenge yesterday.

Faizulnizam Aziz and fellow strikers Mohd Shariman Mukarim scored in each half to secured the three points at the Likas Stadium.

The victory allowed the state under-21 side to get their campaign back on track following back-to-back defeats in their previous matches.

“I’m happy with the victory, which was our first of the season,” said a relieved Justin Ganai shortly after the final whistle.

“Apart from the win, I’m also pleased with the improvement from players...you can see the progress made from the first to third matches.

“Hopefully this will be the start of more positives to come from the team in the President Cup challenge,” added the head coach.

The Junior Tambadaus went into the match on the back of consecutive 1-0 defeats in their opening two matches to Pahang and UiTM FC respectively.

The team were under some pressure to deliver the desired result but they did not let it get into their heads. Instead, it was a motivation that led to the victory.

Faizulnizam opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he met Zulkifly Harun’s low cross with an unstoppable shot past Penang goalkeeper Mohammad Al Imran Ishak from just inside the box.

The home side could have added a second just six minutes later when with only Imran to beat, Eric Odo decided to shoot, which was blocked, rather than squared for the unmarked Shariman for a simple tap in.

Shariman however got his chance in the 61st minute and did not disappoint as he slammed the ball home from inside the box to make the points safe for Sabah.

“There are certainly rooms for improvement because now we kept losing possession easily while the players still looked nervous in matches.

“We have a three weeks break now and we will use the time to rectify the weaknesses...we will work harder to become a better team,” Justin said.

The Junior Tambadaus will resume their group fixtures against the Armed Forces FC (AFFC) at the Likas Stadium on March 30.

ALL OUT: Faizulnizam Aziz gives Sabah the lead in the 2-0 win against Penang in the President Cup Group A tie in Likas yesterday. - Photo courtesy of Safa Media.