New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks went down twice to S-League table toppers DPMM Brunei during their friendly matches held over the weekend.
Sabahawks head coach Justin Ganai, who brought four youngsters from the President’s Cup squad for the clash, saw his side beaten 2-1 in the first encounter.
DPMM were leading 2-0 before German Hendrik Helmke scored for Sabahawks late on.
In the second tie, Sabahawks went down again, this time the scoreline was 3-1.
Again, the Sabahawks were trailing 2-0 before Australian Brendan Gan reduced the deficit before DPMM scored the third soon after.
Missing several key players due to injury, Justin was forced to name four juniors for the trip.
Among those missing were Bobby Gonzales, Razlan Oto, Shahrul Azhar Ture, Zainizam Marjan, K Thanaraj, Fariss Azlan Mat Isa, Zuraindey Jumai, Syed Adney Syed Hussin, Naim Ahmad and Sabri Sahar, all due to injury.
Skipper Md Reithuddin Ag Emran and Rozaimi Abd Rahman also did not make the trip.
Reithuddin, who will not feature for the Sabahawks in the next two games due to suspension, was left behind as Justin prepares his team for the difficult away tie to league leaders Lions XII on June 16.
As for Rozaimi, he is still on national duty with the Harimau Muda.
Those who made the trip are Irwan Jamil, Azizon Abd Kadir, Rosdin Wasli, Ronny Harun, Mafry Balang, Sumardi Hajalan, Alto Linus, Brendan Gan, Shahrudin Yakup, Radzi Mohd Hussin, Hendrik Helmke, Leopold Alfonso Otong, Juffry Omopor, Mohd Safuan Ibrahim, Sanjos Sundawat and the foursome from the President’s Cup squad namely Razid Gapar, Dendy Lowa, Zackkalani Antanom and Zul Mansshah Aling.
Tonight, the Justin Ganai boys will take on Sipitang Selection in a friendly tie at the Likas Stadium at 7pm.
