Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah FC ended the 2025-26 League season with a disappointing 0-1 home loss to Terengganu FC at Likas Stadium on Friday night.

The defeat also ended Sabah FC two-game winning streak and put them ninth in the final standings.

The match was a tight affair with both teams having chances to score before the late goal.

Fergus Tierney had a night to forget as he missed three opportunities with one hitting the post. 

But it was a different story with Sabah FC custodian Khairul Fahmi Che Mat who played his last game for the team. The shot-stopper was able to roll back the years with several key saves to deny the visitors a bigger margin.

He continued his heroic display in the second half to keep Sabah in the game until the 81st minute when substitute Shervoni Mabatshoev was given the space to score the winning goal for Terengganu FC.

Rhinos head coach Juan Torres Garrido was pleased with the overall performance of his players despite the defeat.

“I think the team played good football. They were full of energy and intention to attack, and managed to create many scoring chances as well.

“I have no complaints about the players’ effort because sometimes we played well but were unable to get the win. Of course, I am a bit sad that the team could not deliver the victory for the fans in the final match of the season,” he said.

He also said there has been positive development for the team since he assumed the head coach role two and half months ago.

“The team had lost three first choice players in the last open window and new players need time to adjust, and despite the challenges, I think the team finished in a more favorable position than before I arrived,” he added.

Meanwhile, team manager Arziz Afizy Rumsani confirmed Garrido will be retained for the new season and he also expects some new faces in the team.

“The management will try their best to improve the team for the new season. There will definitely be new faces and we have also started negotiation with players that we hope to retain,” he said.