Front line still not up to mark: Coach
Published on: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
By: GL Oh
Joao (right) celebrates with Park after scoring against Terengganu FC during the match at Likas Stadium.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC’s front line is still not up to mark, according to head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee after the 1-1 draw with Terengganu FC at Likas Stadium on Sunday.
Despite taking the lead early with the debut goal from new import Joao Pedro Boeira Duarte in the 10th minute, the team were unable to add another and Terengganu FC were able to equalise through Ismaheel Akinade just before the first half whistle.
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Joao’s goal started with a long clearance from Damien Lim who was making his first league start of the season in goal.
The ball fell to Park Taesu and he made a run towards the box before making a cross that the Brazilian striker was able to muscle his way past two defenders to put the ball into the net, while Terengganu FC’s goal was an effort outside the box.
Ong was delighted to see Joao open his account on his debut appearance in front of the home fans.
“We did not want to put too much pressure on him because it was only his first game for us. But for him to score will definitely boost his confidence.
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“However, I’m still not satisfied with our finishing and there is a need to improve on that to ensure we don’t waste so many opportunities,” he said.
He was also pleased with the result despite failing to take the maximum points at home.
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“We all know Terengganu FC are a very good team and the one point we earned is very important to us, even though we failed to get the three points that we wanted.
“I believe the players have given their all under the circumstances as we didn’t have any friendly matches during the five-week break.
“Some of the players had also just come back from injury such as Gabriel (Peres), Saddil (Ramdani) and Stuart (Wilkin).
“It was a much needed playing time for them and we need to keep our momentum for the next game where we will be playing against PDRM,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was the second draw for Sabah FC this season and they are currently in fourth place with 14 points from four wins, two draws and three losses after nine matches.
Terengganu FC are two points ahead with 16 points while Johor Darul Ta’zim FC are on top with 25 points followed by Selangor FC with 22 points.
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