Sepanggar on course to clinch unique doubles
KOTA KINABALU: KDM Sepanggar are on course to clinch a unique doubles after securing their place in the League finals of the KDM Malaysia Football League 2018/2019. Sepanggar, who are also in the final of the FA Cup of the competition, defeated KDM Semporna 2-1 in the second semifinals in Tawau on Sunday.
With that, Sepanggar confirmed their passage into the title decider 3-2 on aggregate.
After playing to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Likas Stadium recently, Semporna who were playing hosts this time around were determined to gain the upperhand over the visitors.
And they did just that after 25 minutes.
Team captain, the former state footballer Sharul Azhar Ture, put Semporna 1-0 up on the night and 2-1 on aggregate with a confidently taken penalty kick.
Sepanggar were unpertubed against the previously unbeaten Semporna as they equalised through Paskalis Ulu Menan who struck home from a neat pass from Yuhendri Rusdi in the 37th minute.
Semporna doubled their efforts in the second half but despite the various chances created, they could not get past the impressive Mohd Salawi Jasad in between the posts for Sepanggar.
It proved costly as Sepanggar went in front after 54 minutes when top scorer Mohd Razle Puteh applied the finishing touch to Mohd Hazrin Ismail’s pass.
It turned out to be the crucial winner that sent Sepanggar into the final of the league.
Assistant manager of Sepanggar Redzwan @ Garin was a relieved and happy man following the hard-earned win.
“We are in the two finals in the competition and it was possible because of the determination and commitment from all involved with the team.
“We want to also express thanks to KDM Sepanggar patron Datuk Azis Jamman for his leadership as well as team manager Haslan Rahi for his full dedication to the team,” said Redzwan, who was the team manager of KDM Papar when they won the FA Cup and finished as the League runner-up in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2014/2105.
Meanwhile, Sepanggar will take on Telupid for the League’s top honour after the latter beat KDM Kudat 2-0 on aggregate in the other semifinal.
As for the FA Cup, Sepanggar and Semporna will renew their rivalry by playing in the title match.