Labuan tipped for next stage of LBR league

KOTA KINABALU: Labuan stand a chance to be one of the first teams to make it through to the next stage if they can maintain their winning ways against a visiting Sipitang side at the Liga Bola Sepak Rakyat Borneo Zone 1 in Labuan tomorrow.

If their 6-1 first round away victory over the same opponent is anything to go by, Labuan should have no problem registering another impressive win to emerge as the first team in the tournament to make it through to the next stage.

They are currently leading the table in Group 2 at 10 points. Victory on Sunday will take their tally to 13, which by then no other team will be able to catch up.

Papar, who are their closest rival, could potentially reach 12 points from their remaining matches including against Penampang the same day.

Meanwhile, two other matches today will see Group 1 rivals Kota Belud clash with Tuaran and Kota Marudu face Kudat.

Kota Belud are leading the group on 10 points and also stand a chance to be among the first teams to make it through to the next round.

However, Kota Marudu pose a threat to any early celebrations as they linger just three points behind.

Results from last week’s Group 4 matches saw Tawau thrash Sandakan 6-1, while Telupid were held to a 3-3 draw by Kinabatangan.

Tawau are on top of the group with 10 points, followed by Telupid in second with seven points.

There will be no matches for Group 3 three this week. Leaders Keningau are on 12 points while Kota Kinabalu are on six points but have one game in hand.

Ranau and Tenom are also in Group 3 but are likely to be eliminated after winning only one point each from their fixtures.

A total of 16 district teams are involved in the Borneo Zone 1 challenge. The winner of each group will make it through to the next stage where only the two winning teams will qualify for the national level championship.