Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah President Cup squad must take the opportunity to get all three points against Kuala Lumpur who are second from bottom in the table standing at KLFA stadium today (Monday).The lucky home win and the three goals scored against Kedah last week was their best in a match so far and it should give the players the much needed boost to continue their march towards the knockout stage.
With 12 matches to go, the team are currently lying in 10th place two points behind sixth place Penang and only two points ahead of contenders Negeri Sembilan and a point further behind are Melaka.
Sabah beat the same team 2-1 at home back in February with a brace from Zul Manshah Aling but the striker will not be available today as he is still serving his four-match suspension after collection nine yellow cards in the competition.
The task of getting the goals will fall on the pair of Eyo Mathew and Rexjeson Pitrus who both scored in the match against Kedah last week.
Eyo who was one of the main scorers for the team last season is showing signs of regaining his old self. He not only scored the equaliser in the match against Kedah, he also contributed a lot in the relentless attacks from Sabah and Rexjeson's goal was the result from his initial strike which saw the keeper fumbling allowing Rexjeson to drive home the rebound.
The renewed confidence should give the player the drive to score more in the campaign and the two will also get the support of Sabri Sahar who was the main stalwart of the team with his skill in supplying passes as well as unleashing long range shots. Jenius Jarib who was employed as a defensive midfielder by coach Justin Ganai in a tactical move against Kedah passed the test with flying colours and is likely to keep his position.
Rookie Denison Mathew who started as left back and had a torrid time during the Kedah match may have to give way to captain Dendy Lowa while the two central backs are Rawilson Batuil and Benerlys Raim with right back Shazree Ruhip.
The two wingers will remain the same with Anwari Tajuddin on the right and Umareng Bacok on the left while goalkeeper Frinly Mosiong may make the start ahead of Endre S. Tipay who is nursing an injury.
