Sabah FC in the final of Sabah Maju Cup
Published on: Sunday, May 05, 2024
By: GL Oh
Sabah FC’s Azhad Harraz Arman (right) vying for the ball with a Kuching City FC player at the Likas Stadium on Friday.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC booked their place in the final the Sabah Maju Cup football tournament following the goalless draw with Kuching City FC at Likas Stadium on Friday.
Despite the stalemate, it was still good enough for them to have a final showdown with KL City FC tonight.
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Sabah FC ended the group stage in second spot, one point behind KL City FC with five points from one win and two draws.
Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said he will field his best players for the final but the final decision on the line-up will only be made later.
“It all depends on the situation tomorrow. I will definitely put out the best 11 players if they are not suffering from any injuries or too exhausted, as I do not want to take the risk,” he said, Saturday.
Sabah FC were without many first choice players in the early matches. Imports Saddil Ramdani and Ramon Machado were also absent in the 0-0 draw with KL City FC in the group tie on Wednesday.
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“We encountered some injury issues to some of the players including Saddil and Ramon. Hopefully they are not too serious and I will have to consult with the physios tomorrow and if they are able to play then they will be fielded.”
He also said the absence of senior players has given opportunity to other players to showcase their ability.
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“To play in a long season, a team needs depth not just the first 11 but at least 25 players who are good enough to take over in case of injuries, suspension to the team.
“At the moment we are still very much dependent on the same set players that have been with the team for the past two years.
“We tried to play different combinations without the likes of Saddil and Ramon. I hope the players that are fielded tomorrow will be able to score for the team,” he added.
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