Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC edged KL City FC 1-0 in the final to win the Sabah Maju Jaya Cup at Likas Stadium on Sunday.
They took home RM15,000 for the victory while KL City received RM10,000.
Brazilian import Ramon Machado was the hero for Sabah FC as his goal scored from a penalty kick in the 63rd minute following a foul on him proved to be the decider.
Both teams had earlier played to a goalless draw in the group stage on Wednesday.
There were many scoring opportunities on Sunday that both sides failed to convert and Sabah FC’s defence was also solid enough to protect rookie goalkeeper Mohd Ramzi Mustakim who started the match.
Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said the victory was a morale booster for the team ahead of the season opener against Penang FC here on May 12.
He also admitted that there is still room for improvement as his team only managed to find the net thrice in the four-team tournament with the other two scored by Stuart Wilkin and Saddil Ramdani in the 2-1 win over Hougang United.
“It was a very tight match. We know both teams had played four games in seven days and it was not going to be easy.
“Although this was only an invitation tournament, the intensity was high. We had learned a lot in terms of our strengths, weaknesses and injury issues as well as given chances to many players to play, and this is important as we prepare for the first match next week,” he said.
He added that it is still early for him to name his preferred starting 11 for the match.
“This will depend on the injuries and fitness of the players. We still have one week to see who are well and fit enough to play before making the final decision.”
Meanwhile, in the play-off held earlier, Kuching City FC defeated Hougang United 2-0 to take the RM5,000 cash prize while Hougang received RM3,000.
