Daily Express
Kota Kinabalu: Cebagoo FC's FAM Cup pre-season friendly match with the Sabah selection turned sour as the match was abandoned after about only 30 minutes played at the Institute Intan football field on Wednesday.
Ex-State captain Mohd Reithudin Ag Emran who was the guest player for Cebacoo saw red when he was given his marching orders by the referee for abusive language.
Cebagoo FC president Mohd Joh Hj Wid subsequently called off the match and tried to calm the officials.
The FAM Cup debutants were then on top during the early exchanges until the referee awarded a free kick against them to the dismay of Reithudin.
The match was a harshly arranged affair without the knowledge of Sabah coach David Mccreery.
He told Express Sports that it was supposed to be a recovery day for the players after two friendly matches played over the weekend against Ranau selection and the Brunei national team.
He was visibly unhappy with the arrangement but subsequently put out five players who came to try their luck for a place in the team next season including two Nigerians and three University Putra Malaysia players for the match.
Meanwhile, David was very pleased with the team's performance against the Brunei national team at the Sultanate state last Saturday.
"The boys played magnificently and midfielder Julamri Mohammad who played on the left was brilliant."
The team managed to force 1-1 draw with a late goal from Shahrudin Yakup against the team who were using the match as a preparation for their upcoming AFF competition.
He said he hopes the team, which consisted of many new faces, can build on the momentum and continue to improve.
A day earlier the Sabah selection also traveled to Ranau to play a friendly match with a local selection where they comfortably won 3-1 with goals from Shahrudin Yaakup, Dendy Lowa and Jufry Omopor.
