KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, who are walking on a tight rope to qualify for a place in the last eight of the Malaysia Cup, are on a do-or-die mission when they take on Johor FC in a Group B clash at the Jcorp Stadium in Pasir Gudang tonight. Only a victory will keep their slim hopes alive.
For this reason, Rahman Zakaria reminded his charges to put aside their recent disappointment against Kuala Lumpur – a match that was full of drama, controversy and blunders. It was the 1-2 defeat against Kuala Lumpur that put a dent in Sabah’s quarterfinal hopes. Rahman hopes the team will be at their best against Johor FC.
“No matter what the team’s position is and what had happened previously, our aim is to try to win the game,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.
“It is part and parcel of the game and I want the players to concentrate and not let other events distract them. “A victory will be important to improve our record in the group but even so, we may not know what will transpire after the game. Now it is important for us to do our part and not to worry about whether we will make it. “Football is a funny old game and anything can still happen. Furthermore, there are another three games to play including against Johor FC,” he said.
Rahman also expressed his concern on fatigue where the traveling and tight schedule have affected the players. Rahman also said that missing several key players is hampering the team’s campaign.
According to him, striker Salvester Sindeh is suspended, while Zuraindey Jumai only added to the growing list of injured players in the squad. “I hope those who are injured will recover quickly. A lot can happen in three matches and we must take the chances, but anyway we will take one game at a time,” he added.
