Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC advanced to the finals of the 2026 MFL Challenge Cup after securing a 1-0 aggregate victory over Perak FA in the two-leg semi-finals.
They edged the visitors 1-0 in the second semi-final held at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday following a goalless draw in the first leg, played on March 4 in Manjung, Perak.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 22nd minute, when defender Gabriel Peres scored with a powerful header, capitalising on a well-placed cross from Muhammad Jafri Firdaus Chew.
Despite their dominance throughout the first half and the initial stages of the second half, Sabah FC failed to convert numerous scoring opportunities.
As the match progressed, they were forced to a defensive strategy especially in the final 25 minutes, absorbing pressure from their opponents who were in a desperate bid to equalise.
Perak FA ramped up their attacking efforts and created multiple opportunities through counterattacks but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Sabah FC’s defence, led by the trusted Damien Lim in goal.
Rhinos head coach Juan Torres Garrido addressed that his team’s performance was impacted by fatigue during the second half.
“We were expected to win the game but it was not as difficult. We just ran out of energy in the second half probably because of the many games and away trips that we had to endure prior to this tie.”
He expressed satisfaction with the team’s defensive performance, achieving a clean sheet that played a crucial role in their victory.
“One of our objectives before the game was not to concede and be consistent because we knew we did not have enough energy and the one goal was just enough for us to go through.”
Meanwhile, team manager Arziz Afizy praised both teams for their impressive performance.
“Congratulations to the coaches and players. This has always been our plan right from the start. We tried to improve the team and God willing we have the blessing to go on and win the competition.
“However, there is hard work ahead before the finals, especially on our attacks. There are still league games to be played before the finals and we will use the opportunity to prepare the team,” he added.
