Kota Kinabalu: Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said Sabah FC must keep the momentum going after their impressive 2-1 win over Selangor FC at Likas Stadium on Thursday night.
The victory against the second placed team who were unbeaten in five matches also extended the Rhinos’ 100 per cent home record to six matches since the start of the season.
Saddil Ramdani opened the scoring from the spot in the 24th minute after skipper Baddrol Bakhtiar was fouled in the box minutes earlier.
The goal seemed to disrupt the aggressive start by the visitors who had the first look at goal in the 8th minute, but the goal-bound strike from Faisal Halim was pushed away by Sabah FC’s goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
The Rhinos were unable to add more goals with their dominance after Saddil’s opening, and they were given a shock at the restart when Faisal’s shot from outside the box hit the crossbar and rebounded off the back of Khairul and into the net in the 52nd minute.
Baddrol then came to the rescue to restore Sabah FC’s lead in the 66th minute after his free kick found its way into the net.
“It was a very tight match and Selangor are a very good team. We were able to keep them at bay especially in the first half, where we controlled the game very well.
“The players showed their fighting spirit after conceding the goal due to our own mistake in the second half.
“The result is very important to keep up our winning record in Likas and we will play our next game here as well, so we must not take it lightly,” said Ong after the match.
He also praised Baddrol for his man of the match performance in the match. “He is a very experienced player and a very good leader not only for the locals to follow, but also the imports and this gives us the extra edge.”
