Ten-man Sabah prove their mettle

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RETURNING HERO: Koh Traore came back from injury to score the opening goal.

 TEN-MAN Sabah sent Super League side Felda United FC out of the FA Cup after a first round 2-1 win at the Likas Stadium today. Koh Traore was restored to the starting line-up following a minor injury and did not disappoint as he gave Sabah a 14th minute lead in what turned out to be the only real chance in the first half.

 The Malian foward showed great enthusiasm to score from close range after Shahruddin Yakup’s cross into the box caused panic inside the opponents box. Traore then saw his bullet header early in the second half palmed away by Felda goalkeeper Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias before Alto Linus fired over shortly after.

 The misses proved costly as Mohammad Ghaddar equalised on 63 minutes after sending Sabah custodian Shahril Sa’ari the wrong way from the spot. Former Kelantan hitman Ghaddar had won the penalty kick after he was fouled by Sharul Azhar Ture, which resulted in a straight red for the latter. Sabah’s woe continued five minutes later when David Rhys Weston had to come off due to injury but to the hosts’ credit, they did not succumb to the setbacks.

 The Sabahawks deservedly got the winner from Jufrey Omopor whose attempted cross somehow found its way into the back of the net. Coach David McCreery hailed the players for a spirited display which he said was lacking in their poor start to the Premier League campaign. “They showed the right attitude and the team work was there. They were willing to fight for the team which was very good. “They had it all today and I’m happy with the victory,” said McCreery.