Reigning champions Kelantan too strong for Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah put up a brave performance but found favourites Kelantan too hot to handle in the final of the 10th Malaysia Deaf Football Championship yesterday.
The state squad lost 1-3 in the final played at the Sultan Mohammed IV Stadium in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Sabah Deaf Sports Association (SDEAFSA) president Spancer Soo was proud of the achievement of the squad despite the defeat.
“The squad only trained for around 10 times because of lack of fund or contribution... obviously it was not adequate to prepare for such a tournament.
“However, the players showed great determination to fight all the way into the final before losing to Kelantan...I’m proud of the squad,” he texted yesterday.
Sabah were drawn in Group B of the week-long tournament where they got off to a bright start with a 4-0 win over Terengganu before trouncing Melaka 5-1 to advance to the semifinals as table toppers.
There were no stopping the team as they tamed Negeri Sembilan 2-0 to book a final date against hosts Kelantan, the powerhouse of the Malaysia in deaf football.
Hopes were high for Sabah to spring a surprise but reigning Malaysia Deaf Games (SOPMA) gold medallist Kelantan were just too strong as they lifted the Sultan Hj Ahmad Shah Cup as champions.
Meanwhile, Sabah’s impressive run in the championship did not go unnoticed as five players were called up into the Malaysia Deaf 23-man national squad.
They are Rabbino Lusius, Miekson Mailu, Edelson Deli, Zecklose Kensiong and Dojnester.
“The five will represent Malaysia to the Asia Pacific Deaf Games in Hong Kong and the World Cup 2020,” Soo said.
Towards this end, Soo thanked the State Government, Youth and Sports Ministry, Sabah Council of Social Services and all those who have contributed to SDEAFSA.