Tambadaus Junior beat PJ City 2-0

Sabah Tambadaus Junior defeated PJ City FC 2-0 to return to their winning ways in the President Cup tie at the Likas Stadium yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tambadaus Junior defeated PJ City FC 2-0 to return to their winning ways in the President Cup tie at the Likas Stadium yesterday.

Captain Mohd Aidil Safee and fellow midfielder Zulkifly Harun netted in each half in the Group A fixture that not only put a stop to their three-games winless run but inflicted a first defeat of the campaign for PJ City FC.

Assistant team manager Jainin Tinin was a mirror of happiness following the victory.

“The team played a much improved game and you can see the confidence with their build up plays...they were fearless in the game. I’m really happy with the team and, of course, the result,” he said after the final whistle.

Sabah went into the match without chief coach Justin Ganai taking his seat on the bench after he was advised to take a rest following a freak incident in training that left him briefly unconscious on Sunday.

The incident, however, did not deter the spirit of the squad as they turned on the style by clinching a first win against the current top three teams in the group.

In fact, it was a third straight match for Sabah against the table toppers having earlier held leaders Selangor 2-2 before losing to then third placing Johor Darul Ta’azim III (JDT III) 2-4 last week.

Against PJ City FC, who were in second place prior to yesterday’s game, Sabah showed determination from start and went close through a close range header from Gerald Gadit.

It did not take long for Sabah to take the lead when Aidil slotted home from a goalmouth melee in the 12th minute.

The Tambadaus Junior fought hard to increase their tally but they had to wait until the 70th minute to add a second and made the game safe.

Striker Ariusdius Jais won a penalty kick after being fouled inside the box and Zulkilfy did not disappoint.

Zulkifly, like Aidil who scored against JDT III last week, confidently struck the ball to beat PJ City FC goalkeeper Muhammad Aqil Abdul Razak to cement victory.

With the win, Sabah moved to 11 points from three wins, two draws and three losses.

The Tambadaus Junior will concluded the group first round fixtures away to Selangor United on April 29.