 |
| ROZAIMI … scores a brace. |
Sabah were trailing 0-1 at the half hour mark before Rozaimi put things on level terms three minutes before the half time break.
He then struck the killer blow in injury time to eventually see the State squad return home with full points on the road for the second time after the 4-1 victory over Melaka last month.
An ecstatic team manager Juil Nuatim when contacted praised his charges for the victory, pointing out that this was a good win.
“Unfortunately, I could not travel with the team because I had to attend some meetings today (yesterday). Nevertheless, I’m very happy with the victory because we knew all along that Kelantan, who are the defending champions, are the team to beat this season.
“This victory showed that we do have a side that is capable of doing well, and my hope is to see the players stay focused and continue with the hard work.
“I must also congratulate the coaching staff, especially our head coach (Johnny Dominicus), his assistant (Burhan Ajui) and our goalkeeper coach (Awal Taham) for doing a good job thus far.
“And again I would like to remind them that the journey is still far, and that they must continue to lead the team with full dedication and commitment,” said Juil.
For the record, that was Sabah’s fifth victory this season. Their drawn matches were against Bukit Jalil Sports School (1-1) and KL Sime Darby (1-1).
In the remaining games, they defeated Melaka (2-1), Johor (2-1), Kedah (2-1) and Johor Melody Jaya (2-0).
Burhan, when contacted, said it was a good effort from the players overall, before praising Super League duo Rozaimi and Leopold Alfonso Otong for making the difference.
“Their experience helped us a lot,” said Burhan, adding that they managed to capitalise on the advantage of having one player more after one of Kelantan’s players was given the marching orders shortly after they took the lead.
“It was a good game. Despite trailing, our players did not give up, and seized the opportunity well when Kelantan had to play with 10 men.”
Burhan said Rozaimi scored the equaliser with a cool finish by dribbling past two defenders before unleashing a powerful drive from close range.
But as the match headed for a one-all draw, Rozaimi struck again in similar fashion.
Next Sabah take on Johor MBJB at the Likas Stadium on Thursday.
It was further joy in the Sabah camp, as it was learnt that two-goal hero Rozaimi received a national call-up to join Ong Kim Swee’s national Under-23 side.
