New signing Duarte is doubtful tonight
Published on: Sunday, September 15, 2024
By: GL Oh
Joao in training with the team.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC’s new signing, striker Joào Pedro Boeira Duarte, may not be able to make his debut for his team’s Super League clash with Terengganu FC at the Likas Stadium tonight.
The Brazilian was signed during the open window in August to replace his fellow countryman Ramon Macado who decided to terminate his contract with the team early.
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Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said on Saturday that he has yet to make up his mind on the starting 11 for the match.
“I haven’t decided yet whether or not he (Joao) will be starting for us against Terengganu FC tomorrow.
“He has shown good commitment in training since his arrival here and we expect him to contribute if he is to be fielded.
“However, we still have time until tomorrow to monitor the situation before deciding on the starting 11 players for the match,” he said.
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According to him, centreback Dominic Tan is unlikely to start as he has not fully recovered after sustaining an injury while playing with Harimau Malaya in the recent Merdeka Cup tournament.
Good news for the team is that Dominic’s fellow national team mates Darren Lok and Daniel Ting are both injury free and are set to be featured.
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Ong also called on Rhino fans to come in full force to support the team.
“We hope that Sabah FC’s loyal supporters can come down to give their solid support to the team.”
For the record, Sabah FC had lost to Teregganu FC in both legs of the FA Cup-quarter final ties this season.
They lost the first leg 0-4 away in late June and suffered another defeat in the return leg 0-3 at home in July.
Sabah FC are currently in fifth place in the league table with 13 points from four wins, one draw and three losses while Terengganu FC are two places above in third with 15 points from four wins, three draws and one loss.
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