Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 with Terengganu FC in the Super League clash at the Stadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu on Friday night.
They let slip the chance to take all three points when Safawi Rasid’s corner kick in the 86th minute managed to squeeze past Damien Lim in goal.
Sabah FC had earlier taken a 2-1 lead at half time when England-born Stuart Wilkin struck home the opener in the 19th minute to put them ahead.
However, the joy was short-lived as Terengganu FC were able to draw level in the 23rd minute when Ismahil Akinade out jumped Dinesh Rajasingam to head home the equaliser.
Sabah FC regained the lead in the 44th minute after Saddil Ramdani headed home from a cross delivered by Dinesh.
Head coach Martin Stano lamented the missed opportunity to seal the third spot as only four points separated the two teams before the start and with two more matches left to play.
Stuart Wilkin scored the opening goal against Terengganu FC on Friday.
“It was an important game for both teams. We are fighting for third spot and we prepared our team for the whole week.
“Our main objective was to come here and win the game to get three points and secure the third spot in advance.
“We started well and put a lot of pressure on our opponents.
We managed to score two goals in the first half and we continued to create more chances to score in the second but unfortunately we failed to convert them.
“It was our own mistake from defending the corner kick that resulted in the draw. There was a miscommunication among the players and that is what it is.
“I would not blame any of the players.
We have to see that again and analyse the whole game and not just one mistake because we could have won if we managed to convert the chances in the second half.
“Now we have to turn our focus in the remaining three games and try to finish in third place in April,’ he said.
Sabah FC’s next game is against PDRM FC at Likas Stadium on April 5 before taking on Kedah FC away on April 18.
In ALOR SETAR, Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC failed to capitalise on homeground advantage when they fell 3-2 to Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC at the Darul Aman Stadium.
The hosts, who took to the field without several key players, shot into the lead when Milor Gordic steered a cross from Ebenezer Assifuah into the net in the 24th minute.
KL City then launched a series of attacks on KDA FC’s goalmouth and their efforts were rewarded when Paulo Josue’s header beat goalkeeper Mohd Ifwat Akmal in the 45th minute.
The second half saw the visitors go 2-1 ahead when Josue scored his second goal of the night in the 62nd minute but their joy was shortlived as KDA FC levelled the score with a powerful shot by Mohd Fadzrul Danel just two minutes later.
With the score tied at 2-2, it was left to Sean Gan Gianneli to turn hero for the City Boys when he netted the winner in the 86th minute.
With the win, KL City maintained their sixth spot in the standings with 28 points from 21 matches while KDA FC stayed in 10th position with 20 points from 19 matches.
