Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC are ready for a win against Selangor FC in the FA Cup first leg semi-final tie at the Likas Stadium tonight.
Head coach Jena-Paul de Marigny said that the players are determined to turn the table on the team who had beaten them in the league match early this month, where the Rhinos lost the match 1-2 despite taking an early lead.
“All the players are in the right spirit and have shown high determination throughout the training session ahead of this important match.
“Almost all the main players can be fielded as well, except for Gabriel Peres and Darren Lok, who are still recovering from their injuries.
“Apart from those two players, everyone else is in good shape and are fully prepared to face this challenge,” he said on Friday.
He admitted that it is a tough task to overcome the Red Giants, but is confident the players will be able to produce a positive result following their good showing in their last encounter despite the loss.
“Selangor FC are a strong team and we respect them, but I believe our players are capable of challenging them with discipline and meticulous tactical preparation.
“We have analysed them carefully and will try to take advantage of every opportunity, especially with the home ground advantage.
“It is important that we are able to give our best to achieve a positive result here before the return away match at the end of the month,” he added.
He also called on the fans to come in large numbers to give their support to the team.
Last Sunday, Selangor secured all three points at the Likas Stadium after defeating Sabah 2–1 in the 2025/26 Super League clash.
The match began with both sides showing attacking intent, trading early chances in search of the opening goal.
The home side took the lead in the ninth minute when Fergus Tierney rose highest to head the ball neatly past the Selangor goalkeeper.
Before the break, Alvin Fortes, operating on the left flank for the Red and Yellow squad, levelled the score in the 44th minute with a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
In the second half, Selangor FC returned to the pitch with renewed energy, registering nine attempts on goal and dominating 54% of possession. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Raimi Shamsul’s pass was intercepted by Dominic Tan, but the loose ball fell perfectly for Faisal Halim, who calmly slotted it home to put Selangor FC ahead, a goal that ultimately sealed victory for the Red Giants at the Likas Stadium.
Head Coach Christophe Gamel expressed his delight with the team’s bravery and determination.
“Today, I’m very proud of the courage shown by the players. It’s never easy to come here and win, but that was our goal and we achieved it by bringing home all three points. The players showed great fighting spirit from start to finish. Against a strong side, this was an excellent win for us. I’m pleased with how we played and how the team has continued to grow throughout the match,” proud Gamel.
“With this kind of spirit, I believe we can go even further. Of course, there are still things we need to improve to reach a higher level, but we’ll stay focused and face every challenge together as one team,” he added.
Sabah defeated Kelantan The Real Warriors 3-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final to progress with a 5-2 aggregate win.
However, Sabah’s main concern remains their poor Super League record, as they have yet to register a victory after seven matches in the competition.
