Semporna hold Sepanggar in first leg semi
Published on: Tuesday, September 17, 2019
By: GL Oh
Sepanggar’s goalkeeper Salawi (on the ground) tries to block a shot by Shahrizam (in blue) during the match on Sunday.
Kota Kinabalu: KDM Semporna returned with a valuable point after they managed to draw 1-1 with KDM Sepanggar in the first leg semi-final tie of the KDM Football League held at Likas Stadium on Sunday.The East Coast team powered by several former State players were the much better team on the night despite playing away from home.
ADVERTISEMENT
They had the opportunity to take an early lead in the 10th and 12th minutes, but on both occasions, Mohd Fauzi Abdul Kadir was unable to find a way past Sepanggar keeper Mohd Salawi Ahmad Jasad.
Shahrizam Sahar nearly put them ahead in the 22nd minute but again Salawi was in his element to save the day for his team.
Despite their opponents’ dominance, Sepanggar almost took the lead against the run of play in the 30th minute after Yuhendry Rusdi saw his attempt cleared off the line with the keeper well beaten.
The relentless pressure by Semporna’s players finally paid off when Sharizam slotted in the opener from a pass delivered by Mohd Fauzi in the 38th minute.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sepanggar looked more organised at the restart and it only took three minutes for them to level the score with Saddam Yusup slotting in a loose ball.
The setback seemed to spur the Semporna players, as they tried their best to regain their lead and were almost rewarded with a strike by Mohd Arfiyansah Abdul Jafar which was denied by the post in the 59th minute.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
