RANAU: SABAH FC will travel for a very tough away match against Selangor FC on April 11 in the Super League.
The team will be facing a formidable challenge as we are going head-to-head with an in-form Selangor squad who are second in the table, making this encounter a critical test of our capabilities.
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With several injuries impacting the squad, a draw would be considered a satisfactory result. Let’s hope that we stay clear of more injuries. My main concern for the team is that can the players sustain their performance throughout the 90 minutes.
Our opponents are a different type of fish as they are a team known for punishing lapses in focus, especially since the appointment of former national coach Kim Pan-gon as their head coach.
They are unbeaten for the past 10 matches since the loss to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC in early January.
Therefore, I anticipate a true test of stamina and strategy for Sabah FC.
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I am certain that Selangor FC also have revenge in mind as well after we edged them in the FA Cup semi-final last year.
Defensive weaknesses remain a sizeable worry for Sabah FC, although the return of centre back Gabriel Peres offers some hope for improvement. However, the overall quality of the defence will need to improve significantly if the team wishes to avoid conceding goals.
To relieve pressure on the back line, effective organisation and function in midfield are crucial to enable the forwards to create goal-scoring opportunities.
I expect head coach Juan Torres Garrido to work diligently to ensure that the players step up their game, particularly in attack, as Selangor FC is notorious for capitalising on any mistakes made by their opponents.
Although injuries have hit the squad hard, the emphasis will be on quickly adapting strategies to bring the fight to Selangor FC.
The stakes are high and the players will need to capitalise on every opportunity to break through Selangor’s defence.
Our upfront has to show more positive attacks and hopefully to score goals, if we are hoping to get a positive result from this encounter.
A good performance will no doubt help to boost the players’ confidence ahead of the second-leg MFL Challenge Cup final against Penang FC at Likas Stadium on April 19.
I hope the players can go out there and give their very best and to show Selangor FC that the victory over them in the FA Cup was not just a fluke.
