Traore grabs third hattrick of the season

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Burkinabe Koh Traore scored his third hattrick of the season in Sabah’s win.

SABAH returned to winning ways as three goals from Koh Traore helped them to a 3-1 win over Kuala Lumpur at the Likas Stadium today. The hattrick was Traore’s third of the season and brought his Premier League tally to 18 goals in his debut season.

 Traore opened his account with a firm header in the 22nd minute but it was shortlived as Khairul Anuar Shafie equalised on the half-hour mark. Lowly Kuala Lumpur seemed the more organised unit after that but without creating any meaningful chances, which the homesters enjoyed with playing at their best. Traore was the main culprit, missing at least five chances including twice failing to score from six-yards out.

He also had the ball in the net in the 83rd minute but was ruled out for a handball. However, he was not to be denied a minute later when he slotted home on the rebound in a goalmouth melee before completing his hattrick with a cool finish in the 90th minute.

 “We scored, which made the difference,” head coach David McCreery said referring to Sabah’s 1-0 defeat to Pos Malaysia last week, despite dominating and creating many chances against the side from Kuala Lumpur. “The only problem today was that we allowed Kuala Lumpur to get back into the game and made life difficult for us after the equaliser.

 “The second goal was crucial – it lifted the players’ confidence and it was justified when we got the third. “It’s hits and misses for Koh today but he got three goals which is great. It enabled us to stay close to the team above us,” he added when met.

 The victory saw Sabah move to 27 points from eight wins, three draws and eight losses to remain in the top half of the 12-team Premier League. The Premier League will take a month’s break before resuming on June 21, when Sabah welcome Police at home.