'Our worst match of the season'

Kota Kinabalu: Head coach Jelius Ating described the 3-2 defeat to UKM on Tuesday at the Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang as Sabah's worst match since the start of the season.He said on Wednesday that losing a match is normal but the team had the ability to beat the home side and they failed to grab the opportunity and that really upset him.

"As coach, I have to admit that the team played their worst match of the season.

We know our standard but unfortunately the players failed to play to their level yesterday.

"What was shown by the players during the training session was complete opposite of how they performed yesterday, and obviously I was very disappointed.

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"I had a heart-to-heart talk with the players to voice out what was missing from them during the match and how they can improve, as well as giving them some motivation."

He also said not all the players performed below-par in that match.

"We played well after the substitution of under-performing Leopold (Alphonso) towards the end of the first half.

"However, I am not just pointing the finger at one particular player. Some also did not play well and this in actual fact affected the rhythm of our play.

"We tried hard to make a comeback late in the match with two late goals and Lee Gil-Hoon, Justin Samaan as well as Umareng Bacok also had chances to score but unfortunately they failed to find the target.

"Despite the numerous chances, I would say the team overall did not play to their strength that led to their downfall." He said he is looking forward to the return of South Korean import Heo Jaenyeong who missed the match due to injury.

"We will try to bounce back in our next match against Penang this Saturday (April 28).

We have to stay positive and Heo JaenYeong who is receiving treatment in South Korea may be able to make it for the match if there is an all clear signal from his doctor."

Meanwhile, the Under -19 Youth Cup competition saw Sabah lose 1-0 to PKNP at the Penampang Stadium on Wednesday.

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The only goal of the game was headed in by Aizad Ramli in the 38th minute from close range while Sabah had numerous opportunities to find the net but failed to do so.

The best came within minutes after conceding the goal but despite the good work by Syukri Baharun who dribbled his way inside the box and laid the ball to Faqhrurazi Ahmad, the striker hit a tame shot directly at the goalkeeper instead. – GL Oh

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