KOTA KINABALU: The Sabahawks
Juniors recorded their ninth consecutive win after nicking a slim 1-0
win over Johor in a President’s Cup challenge at the Kluang Municipal
Council field yesterday.
That was their 12th victory of the season, which saw them
unshakeable at the top of the Group A standings with 38 points in their
bag after 14 matches into the season. Jetko Romedius turned hero for his side by netting the solitary goal
at the half-hour mark by coolly tapping home the winner from close
range.
“I’m happy with the result. Even though it was only a slim win, but
most importantly, we managed to get the three points. Furthermore, it
also helps us keep our unbeaten run intact, which is good,” commented
Sabah team manager Juil Nuatim when contacted yesterday.
Juil, who could not make the trip to the Southern State as he had to
attend a meeting, said: “As I had expected, it was quite a tough
encounter. I was told by the coaching staff that we had a good first
half, and could have scored more goals, but unfortunately we only
managed to find the net once.
Zackkalani Antanom was presented with two golden opportunities to put his name on the scoresheet, but he wasted both chances.On the first occasion, he had already defeated the defender, only
to see his attempt hit the woodwork while on the second, his close range
effort went inches wide even with the Johor keeper already beaten.
“Nevertheless, it was a good three points on the road for the boys, and again, they have shown great fighting spirit throughout.
“I’m so happy to note that our players managed to keep cool heads
throughout the game, except for one incident where one of our players
was given the marching orders,” said Juil referring to flanker Umareng
Bacok, who was shown the red card for retaliation.
Earlier on, it was Johor who were forced to play with a man lesser
after one of their players was red carded in the 58th minute before the
Umareng incident, which happened about 15 minutes from time.
“He got a hard knock from behind by a Johor player. He retaliated,
and the referee had no hesitation in giving him the red card,” commented
assistant coach Burhan Ajui.
The Sabahawks Juniors will take on Melaka and Bukit Jalil Sports
School in their next two matches both at home on April 5 and April 9
respectively.
News source: News Sabah Times
