Win over Melaka United shows Tambadau on right track
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tambadau's second string players managed to outdo themselves by beating Melaka United 2-0 in the team's second friendly encounter with the Super League side at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Thursday.
The win helped to redeem the 2-0 defeat suffered by the main squad in the other friendly match on Wednesday.
Sabah Tambadau head coach Jelius Ating said the good performance from the second-string players, which comprised mostly substitutes that have yet to appear in a match this season, showed that they are on the right track.
“They went all out to show their worth as a reliable back-up for the main squad. They seem to be heading in the right direction and just need more exposure from matches like these,” Jelius said.
Aside from Park Tae Su, the rest of the first-11 players in this match comprised mostly substitutes and reserves who have yet to make an appearance for Sabah this season.
They included Robson Rendy Rining as goalkeeper and Park Tae Su, Jenius Karid, Alto Linus and Muhammad Mohd Safar as defenders.
In midfield were Melky Balang, Justin Samaan, Elias Sulaiman and Stanely Sulong with Mazlan Yahya and Rahman Shah Marajeh as strikers.
Five substitutions were made involving Mohd Azwan Abd Fattah who came on for Justin Samaan, Ariusdius Jais for Stanley Sulong, Rodoljub Paunovic (replaced Rahman Shah), Ranilson Batuil (for Alto) and Mafry Balang (for Muhammad Mohd Safar).
It was believed that Melaka United also fielded a mix of reserve and main squad players.
Both teams remained deadlock at the break before Stanley Sulong scored for Sabah just two minutes after the game resumed.
Later, Melky netted from the penalty spot to secure the 20 win shortly before the final whistle.
The team's main players return to action as Sabah Tambadau face another Super League outfit, PKNS FC in the last friendly match at the MBPJ Stadium, tonight.
“The match with PKNS will be another good test for us. We will capitalise on this opportunity to identify and improve any weaknesses we have in the team,” Jelius said.
Sabah Tambadau have roughly one week before their next Premier League match against Penang at the Likas Stadium on March 30.