Juniors lose by a goal to Malacca
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal after going down 0-1 to Malacca in Group B of the President Cup match yesterday.
The defeat, coupled with Kuala Lumpur’s own 1-0 victory over Pahang, saw the junior Rhinos slipped to the bottom of the 10team table.
The state under-21 side have collected only seven points as they concluded nine matches in the first round, registering two wins, one draw and six defeats.
And the Rhinos had only themselves to blame for the latest defeat for missing several chances, including a second half penalty kick at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Malacca.
Trailing to a first half goal, Sabah returned with much urgency in the second period and could have been rewarded for the positive display.
However, striker Rahman Shah Marajeh failed spot kick, awarded after Dexy Mildy was fouled inside the box, summed up a frustrating afternoon for the Justin Ganaicoached side.
Assistant team manager Benedict Asmat rued the missed chances and said, “We could have at least snatch a draw but we were unlucky.
“We were the better side in the second half creating at least six chances but went begging.”
Towards this end, Benedict admitted that Sabah would have to achieve the top four target the hard way.
“We need to work harder and start winning games...I believe the ticket to the quarter-finals is still within reach,” he added.
The teams will meet again in the opening game of the second round fixtures at the Likas Stadium here on May 2.