Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC defeated Kedah FC 2-0 at Likas Stadium on Sunday to finish third in this season’s Super League.
Sabah FC, knowing only a win will allow them to take the third spot from the visitors who were two points ahead, wasted no time to take the lead in the seventh minute.
Midfielder Irfan Fazail managed to score the opener despite the presence of two Kedah FC players after receiving a pass from Ramon Machado.
He then turned to assist in the 35th minute when his looping ball over the on rushing Kedah FC goalkeeper hit the upright and Ramon made no mistake to head in the rebound at the far post.
The win and three points was enough for Sabah FC to take the third spot with 53 points while Kedah FC had to settle for fourth with 52 points.
Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee was pleased the team under his charge managed to maintain the same position achieved last season.
“To finish the season as we did last season was a very positive matter. I would not say it was a big achievement but we were able to maintain our performance in the Super League especially in the second half of the season.
“Today, the players once again proved that they have the right mentality and attitude that were very positive as well as possessing a very high spirit.
“I hope these players can maintain their performance in upcoming matches, especially when we play in the semi-final of the AFC Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also paid tribute to the departing Amri Yahya who was fielded in the second half against Kedah FC and a few others who are set to leave Rhinos.
“A few players will be leaving the team and this is part of football as every season there will be some coming in and some leaving.
“I would like to thank those who are leaving, especially Amri Yahya for their contribution to the team during their tenure here.”
He added that a meeting will be held soon with the new management to plan for next season following the departure of Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Marzuki Nasir who tendered his resignation letter on Sunday.
