Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC succumbed to a 2-3 defeat by Kelantan The Real Warriors FC at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium on Tuesday.
The hosts took an early lead in the sixth minute through Alexandre Yeole, who tapped in from close range after Rhinos goalkeeper Damien Lim had blocked an earlier shot.
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Sabah FC’s response was swift as Darren Lok levelled the score, capitalising on a cross by Dane Ingham three minutes later.
However, they failed to build on the intensity to pile on the pressure, instead it was Kelantan who scored the next goal.
Semen Lyngbo headed his team’s second of the match after a goalmouth scramble in the 16th minute and the home side extended their lead in the 23rd minute when Ashraff Yasin latched onto a long pass to beat Damien, who came off his line and missed the ball.
The introduction of Gabriel Peres at the start of the second half stabilised Sabah FC’s shaky defence.
However, despite numerous scoring opportunities, the team could only manage a late goal in injury time through Ajdin Majugic, who successfully converted a penalty after being fouled by the goalkeeper.
Assistant head coach Alto Linus said the team was weakened by the exit of Stuart Wilkin, who had played his last match with Sabah FC against Kuala Lumpur FC last week to return to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC.
“The loss of Stuart Wilkin had a big impact to the team tonight and also the absence of Gary Robbat who was suspended for this match.
“As a result, we were unable to play our usual game and struggled, especially in the first half. The positive sign is that the players tried their best to make a comeback in the second half,” he said.
He also revealed that the management is actively looking for replacement following the departure of Stuart and Daniel ahead of the Malaysia Cup tie against Melaka FC this Saturday (Jan 17) at Hang Jebat Stadium.
“We need players to strengthen the squad especially in Stuart Wilkin’s position. We have discussions with a few players including imports and hopefully the recruitment process will go smoothly and quick,” he said.
