9th July, 2018
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Under-19 squad moved two rungs up as they edged closer to seal a quarter-final berth in the Youth Cup after registering a comfortable 3-0 win over Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Under-16 in a Group A tie at the Penampang Stadium yesterday.
The three points gained saw them unseat Selangor PKNS FC from the second spot on 25 points from seven wins, four draws and three defeats after 14 games into the season.
Selangor PKNS FC dropped to third on 23 points.
Terengganu FC IV lead the group with 35 points, but they had played a game more.
Yesterday, Mohamad Sahrizan Saidin, Muhammad Faqhrurazi Ahmad and Syann Elven Steven scored one goal each for their side.
The squad under the watchful eyes of Mohd Aiyyman Shah Johny Abdullah took a fifth minute lead through striker Shahrizan’s effort.
Faqhrurazi made it 2-0 in the 29th minute when the midfielder found space to direct an effort towards the goal that BJSS goalkeeper Muhammad Amirul Atan failed to dealt with.
There were no stopping the state juniors as continued to boss the visiting sides and their dominance was rewarded with a third goal from a penalty kick.
Midfielder Leonardo Lisua was fouled inside the box and referee Muhammad Latiffi Mohd Zahrom did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Syaan did not disappoint his team-mates as beat Amirul to make it 3-0.
Sabah will be on the road in their next game against Penang at the USM A field on July 18 before playing their last home game of the group challenge against PKNS FC on July 22.
They will conclude the group fixtures with consecutive away matches against runaway leaders Terengganu FC IV at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (July 25) and Kuala Lumpur at UPM Mini Stadium (July 29).
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