Traore, who was criticised early in the season for his lack of goals, needed only three minutes to open the scoring, but Mohd Norhafizzuan equalised after 20 minutes. Sabah restored their lead through Shahruddin Yakup in the 36th minute to lead 2-1 at the break. The Sabahawks re-emerged for the second half stronger and it took them only seven minutes to increase their lead through veteran striker Zainizam Marjan.
Traore scored his second and Sabah’s fourth after 73 minute, while Mohd Asyidi Asyar half the deficit two minutes later. Sabah were reduced to 10-man after defender Shahril Faizal picked up a second booking in the 77 minutes, but the visitors held on for a second successive win in the second round of the league.
Coach David McCreery was delighted when contacted but stressed the team must not be carried away by the victory. “Today’s result will only be good if we can win our next game,” he said. Sabah have five wins, three draws and five defeats for 18 points and will face Sime Darby at Likas Stadium next Friday.
