KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will welcome back the return of skipper Rosdin Wasli from a one-match suspension for the Malaysia Cup return leg clash against Perak at the Perak Stadium tonight.The lanky midfielder will add that extra bite in the middle of the park for the Rhinos who looked weakened in his absence in the first leg one-all draw at the Tawau Sports Complex last Saturday.
However, Sabah will be missing the services of the influential Chow Chee Wing.
The Penang-born midfielder, who can also play on the right flank, collected his second booking on Saturday and would be serving an automatic one-match suspension.
But despite not having Chow, head coach Drago Mamic is not complaining.
He said he expected this to happen, and that he has an adequate replacement for Chow.
The Croatian said the suspension could prove to be a blessing in disguise not only for Chow, but also for the team.
“He’s a great player. His presence will surely strengthen the team. But Chow is a player who cannot play two consecutive matches at this level because he is a hardworking player who does a lot of sprints in the game. He is a player who uses his speed to overcome his opponents.
“So I’m glad that he is facing the suspension now rather than in the final because we certainly want him in his best shape (should Sabah make it into the final),” said Drago.
Youngster Zulamri Muhammad is likely to be given the opportunity to fill in the vacuum left by Chow.
Hardy Charles Parsi or Henry Soimpon are other options.
Rosdin is sure to start the game alongside Zainizam Marjan in the heart of midfield with either P. Rajesh or Azrul Ejati Damsah on the right of midfield, while Zulamri is the likely choice to play on the left.
At the backline, Bosnian defender Dragic Dalidor together with Ahmad Tharmini Saiban will be the key men.
The duo will form the Rhinos’ four-man defence together with Mohd Munir Amran and Ronny Harun.
Charles Obi, who scored the equaliser for Sabah in the first leg, will again, spearhead the Rhinos attack alongside Brazilian Felisberto De Oliveira Jr.
Youngster Irwan Jamil, who made several good saves in the first leg, will again be the Rhinos’ last man.
