Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC lost 0-2 to Kuching City FC in the Borneo derby at the State Stadium, Saturday night.
It was a setback right from the outset, conceding a goal in the fifth minute. Joao Pedro took full advantage of a loose ball in the box, putting Kuching City FC ahead early.
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Before Sabah FC’s players could regain their composure, the home players continued to exploit the Rhinos’ defensive weaknesses, frequently launching attacks down the left flank.
Their efforts paid off in the 25th minute when Petrus Shitembi found the back of the net.
The Rhinos put up a better performance after the goals and created multiple scoring chances against Kuching City FC.
Despite their efforts, they were unable to break through the impressive defence led by goalkeeper Muhd Haziq Nadzli.
“It took us some 20 minutes to get used to our opponents, a very good one, and by that time we realised, we were already two goals behind,” said Sabah FC head coach Juan Torres Garrido.
Despite the setback, he commended his players for their determination.
“It was a difficult situation, but the team tried to give everything, and I cannot complain about their efforts,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Kuching City FC’s head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak praised his players for adhering to the game plan, particularly their focus on looking for early goals.
“The game plan was implemented well. The players not only excelled in the first half but maintained their momentum throughout the second half. It wasn’t easy, because Sabah FC are still a very good team.”
With the loss, Sabah FC remains in 10th place at the bottom half of the table standing.
Their next match is the semi-final return leg of the MFL Challenge Cup against Perak FA here at Likas Stadium on March 11.
