Tambadaus promoted to Super League
Published on: Sunday, July 07, 2019
By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: A blistering shot by Rodoljub Paunovic confirmed the Tambadaus’ place in the Super League next season and a step closer to the Premier League title, as they edged host JDT II 1-0 in the top of table clash at Pasir Gudang Stadium, Johor, Friday night.
The decisive goal by the Serbian hit-man who was in unstoppable form recently, was a moment of brilliance in the 58th minute.
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After receiving the ball from Ricco Nigel Milus on the half way line, he brought the ball forward and with the opposite numbers failing to sense the danger, he caught everyone by surprise with the astonishing 25-yard shot that cannoned into the far left corner and the ball was still rising when it hit the back of the net.
The victory watched by Acting Sabah Football Association President Datuk Peter Anthony and a large number of Sabah supporters also avenged the season opener’s 2-1 loss to JDT II at the Likas Stadium.
At the start of the match, Sabah almost found themselves a goal down as early as in the fifth minute when Rozaimi Rahman hit the post with a powerful strike.
Despite the home side having more of the ball, it was Sabah who had the most opportunities to take the lead in the opening 45 minutes before the strike by Paunovic at the restart.
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Alto Linus failed to take his chance minutes after Rozaimi’s escape when he found himself unmarked inside the box , but missed the ball completely from Aguinalso Mendes’s cross from the byline.
Mendes also had a chance after he danced through the JDT II defence and rounded the goalkeeper but his finishing was awful and hit the side netting instead.
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Minutes later, Paunovic tried an outrageous lob some 30 yards out, when he saw the opposite keeper off his line, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Sabah also had to withstand JDT II onslaught after the goal, especially towards the end of the match and fortunately the defence marshalled by the return of skipper Rawilson and the excellent defensive work by Park Taesu was able to withstand the pressure, while Rozaimie also did his job with a couple of good saves.
A delighted Peter when met after the match said the match was like a final and thanked the fans who came all the away to give their support to the team.
“Today, the match is like a final which would decide Sabah’s fate this season and I am very pleased with the input from the players and management to ensure the win tonight.
“It has been targeted by the State Government and also the football supporters in the State. As I stated early, we are not just aiming for promotion but also to win the league title.
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