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15th September, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah concluded their friendly tour with a 2-0 defeat to Johor on Monday.
The defeat eventually saw them returning home without a win.
In the first game they lost 2-4 to club side Johor FC.
And if these two matches, which was part of their preparations for the Malaysia Cup tournament that kicks off in less than two weeks time, is of any indication, then there is only a glimpse of hope for them to do well in the country’s oldest tournament.
With the likes of newly crowned Super League champions Selangor as well as Kuala Muda Naza in their group, it will be their wildest dream to think of winning the elusive Malaysia Cup crown, as to even make it into the knockout stage is already a hell of a tough job for the Rhinos to accomplish.
Police complete the four-team Group D.
Among the four teams, both Selangor and Kuala Muda Naza look to be the firm favourites to make it into the last eight with the lightweight Police as well as Sabah counted as outsiders!
Against Johor, Sabah conceded the first goal as early as in the first minute, while Johor’s second came in the 76th minute.
Despite the disappointing trip, coach Mohd Asyraaf Abdullah said they have gained something from it, adding that it has also given him his probable line-up for the home opener against Selangor on September 26 at the Tawau Sports Complex field.
He added that Azrul Ejati Damsah, Zainizam Marjan and Mohd Farid Saibun all had a share at Johor’s goalmouth with Ejati hitting the post, with Zainizam’s header going straight to the keeper, while Farid’s attempt went inches wide.
But these missed chances is no surprise for the Rhinos as their poor finishing has been their glaring weakness all along this season as shown in their Premier League challenge.
The Rhinos will play against Tawau Selection on September 23, which will be their final warm-up game before taking on Selangor.
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