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| PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION … Shahrudin Yakup, No 18, challenges for the ball with UiTM FC goal-scorer Afiff Ashraf during their Premier League tie at the Likas Stadium yesterday. |
Sabahawks were leading 3-0 at half time, but could not add to their tally after the break. Instead, it was UiTM FC who scored the consolation. Playing on a slippery pitch, Sabahawks did not wait long before scoring the opening goal. Midfielder Mohd Fazilidin Khalid struck one of the league’s fastest goals when his grounder went into the back of the UiTM FC net after only 32 seconds of play.
It all started from a fine effort from flanker Alto Linus who centred for Zainizam Marjan. The ageing striker turned midfielder unselfishly back passed to Fazilidin, who unleashed a shot that defeated UiTM FC keeper Md Nor Haziq Md Aris. Sabahawks were 2-0 up in the 25th minute, and this time Shahrudin Yakup put his name on the scoresheet.
The flanker was left unmarked inside the box before unleashing a powerful low drive that left Md Nor Haziq hapless for the second time. On the stroke of half time, Abdelfatah Safi scored the third by curling home from just outside the penalty box. After the break, the Sabahawks seemed to be happy with the lead, and allowed the visitors to dictate play.
And in the 77th minute, they saw their lead being reduced when Afiff Ashraf scored the consolation. The three points helped the Sabahawks strengthen their grip on sixth spot, which is the last playoff slot for the Malaysia Cup competition. They have 24 points from seven wins, three draws and seven defeats with only five matches left to play into the season. They take on KL Pos Malaysia FC away in their next fixture on Friday.
