KOTA KINABALU: Sabah continued their unbeaten run in the President’s Cup Group A challenge after chalking up a 2-0 win over Johor Melody Jaya at the Likas Stadium yesterday.
The match that was delayed twice saw Sabah score two second-half goals to see off their hapless opponents, who seemed to come with the hope of nicking a point.
Zackkalani Antanom scored the opener with a superb header before Maxsius Musa made it 2-0 with his thunderous 25-metre effort.
The match that was initially set to kick off at 4.15pm had to be delayed to 4.45pm as the stadium was still occupied by the athletes taking part in the Kota Kinabalu Zone Sports Meet.
When the stadium was cleared, the match had to be delayed for the second time, but this time it was because there were no medical officials around before it eventually kicked off at 5.15pm.
Team manager Juil Nuatim when met shortly after the game said he was happy to get the points.
“I have to be happy. We won all the three points and furthermore, this time we did not concede any goals, which is good.
“I’m also proud of the players because they did exceptionally well against a side that came here just to defend.
“They also managed to keep cool heads and as you can see, they are not the emotional type,” said Juil.
“So my hope is to see them continue giving their best to the team,” he added, before revealing that striker Zul Mansshah Aling will miss Sabah’s away tie to Kelantan on Monday after picking up his third yellow card of the season in the game, which means a one-match automatic suspension.
After a goalless first half, Sabah finally found the much-needed goal through Zackkalani, who headed home the opener after connecting a freekick taken by skipper Razid Gapar in the 60th minute.
Earlier in the 53rd minute, Zackkalani squandered a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when he shot wide despite having only the keeper to beat.
In the 62nd minute, Zul Mansshah could have made it 2-0 for Sabah, but unfortunately, his close range effort was blocked by the Johor Melody Jaya custodian.
Then Sabah finally extended their lead through Maxsius, who blasted home the second in the 70th minute.
