Mulvey says not worried about Negri outcome
KOTA KINABALU: Head coach Mike Mulvey is not too worried about Sabah missing out on the full three points in their last Premier League outing on Monday.
Sabah, who won the reverse fixtures 3-1 just three days earlier, were given a scare before settling for a 2-2 outcome against Negeri Sembilan at the Likas Stadium.
While not taking anything away from their formidable opponents, Mulvey revealed a combination of unfavourable factors might have affected the team’s momentum, thus making the point gained as important.
“I’m not making excuses, but they are human beings. It’s very difficult to get back up after 72 hours to play football again... you know, the heat, the travel, Ramadan (Month).
“The game was probably played at a little bit of a slower pace but we got ourselves in a position where we could hold onto the lead, although we are a little bit naive as a team (when) defending.
“I think that’s going to be a very important point. Negeri are a tough team to play against and they are probably going to cause a lot (problems) for other teams,” he said after the game.
Striker Eamon Zayed starred for Sabah when he scored one and provided the assist that allowed El Hadji Diouf to steer into the net for the late equaliser.
Azizi Mat Rose had cancelled out Zayed’s opener before Bruno Sebastian put Negeri ahead before the late fightback from Sabah.
Zayed cut a disappointing figure at the end, but Mulvey believed the players would get over it and look forward to their next game.
“Eamon had a good game. His confidence is good and he was involved in both goals and I’m very pleased with him...but, he’s hurting because he wants the team to win.
“I just said to them not to be despondent because this is not a loss. This was a very important point that we brought back here.
“It’s very difficult when you are behind in this condition and then to come back and score another goal.
“So, I’m very pleased with the lads and we’ll just recover in the next couple of days and get ready for Friday,” he added.
Meanwhile, victories for Penang (4-1 against KL SPA FC) and Kedah (3-1 against UiTM FC) saw them overtake Sabah in the 12-team league.
Penang and Kedah are level on 25 points but the former placed second due to superior goals difference while Sabah dropped to fourth on 23 points.
Terengganu T-Team strengthen their grip at the top with a win against Kuala Lumpur 4-1 to lead on 29 points.
Sabah will face Kuala Lumpur next at the Likas Stadium on Friday.