P’pang Proper upset favourites to lift veteran football title
Published on: Tuesday, November 12, 2019
By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Penampang Proper upset hot favourites NABT SS90 4-1 in the final to take the Sabah Unity League Mixed Veteran title at Penampang Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the presence of Sabah Tambadaus head coach Jelius Ating and his assistant Burhan Ajui, NABT SS90 found it tough to contain the attacking flair of their opponents led by former State striker Suharmin Yusuf.
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It was Suharmin who opened the scoring in the 12th minute but Jelius who played an attacking role in his team managed to equalise five minutes later.
Penampang Proper regained their lead through Clarence Kiniwon in the 26th minute courtesy of a defensive error and added his second after a brilliant run in the 32nd minute for his team to take a 3-1 lead in the first half.
In the second half, Penampang Proper’s players seemed to have run out of steam and NABT SS 90 were able to control the match for much of the half.
Jelius had one header rebound off the crossbar while substitute Faizal Ahmad shot over the bar from close range before substitute from Penampang Proper, Flavian Hiew scored the fourth goal for in the 76th minute.
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It came out of the blue as NABT SS90’s players were expecting an off side flag that never came, Flavian who received the ball from a throw in had the time and space to pick his spot for the goal that killed off any chance of a comeback from Jelius and his boys.
The prizes was presented by Datuk James Wong who was there to give his support to the tournament.
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Meanwhile, organising chairman of the tournament Edwin Jomiji urged the authority concerned to install floodlights in the stadium as well as at the nearby B field to meet the demand of the public from the district.
“Penampang is well known for its active role in football development and lot of tournaments and trainings were conducted here, but sadly the facilities were lacking and never upgraded.
“We only have two playing fields after so many years. The stadium was heavily utilised and floodlights should have been installed as after 7pm no more activities can be carried out due to darkness.
“I feel sorry for those track and field coaches who have to cut short their training sessions for the children as a result. I hope the leaders of Penampang will look into the seriousness of this problem.
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