KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors did what their seniors could not do by holding KL Sime Darby to a one-all draw, albeit that they settled for the point at the death.
The President’s Cup Group A tie saw Sabah trailing to a 51st minute opener by the host before Umareng Bachok scored the equaliser for Sabah in injury time.
A day earlier, the State Super League side were dumped from the FA Cup competition by the KL Sime Darby seniors after losing 0-2.
The Sabahawks Juniors looked destined to face a similar fate before Umareng struck by connecting a cross from Dendy Lowa to eventually break the hearts of the hosts at the Mini Cyberjaya Stadium in Bangi, Selangor as both sides shared the spoils.
The feat saw Sabah extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
Team manager Juil Nuatim when contacted said that they were lucky to escape with a point, before praising goalkeeper Entre S. Tipay for his excellent performance.
“I think we were lucky to return home with a point, and I’m happy with it. Although Umareng was our savior, but it was Endre who was excellent throughout the game,” said Juil.
“The goal apart, he (Endre) made numerous superb saves during the game, including two one-on-one situations,” said Juil.
“I don’t think that was our best game, because things looked rather messy for us. It got worse when our midfielder (Sabri Sahar) had to be stretchered out after being tackled from behind by an opponent and had to be replaced after about 20 minutes of play.
“After the interval, we played much better, and worked really hard, which I’m proud to see. I hoped they will continue to play with the kind of spirit and determination, where they fought their hearts out until the final whistle.
Juil also believes that despite the dropped points, the point gained was enough to keep their place at the top of the 13-team standings on 11 points from three wins and two draws.
Sabah will take on Johor Melody Jaya at the Likas Stadium on Thursday.
