Sobri dashes Juniors last-eight hope

New Sabah Times

PRESIDENT’S CUP ACTION … Jenius Karib (right) and Terengganu players battle for the ball.

KOTA KINABALU: A second-half stunner by Terengganu’s Syed Sobri dashed Sabahawks Juniors hope of making the quarter-finals in the President’s Cup challenge that is approaching its end. The Terengganu midfielder struck a well-executed dipping shot from about 25 metres out that defeated Sabahawks custodian Endre S. Tipay in the 55th minute.

 The goal turned out to be the winner for the visiting Terengganu, who eventually sealed their place in the last eight after collecting 56 points from 16 wins, eight draws and seven defeats. As for the host, it was a big blow, as their chances of making it through are now as good as over. Even winning their remaining three matches, Armed Forces (home), away to Tengku Mahkota Sports School Johor, and Sarawak (home) may not be good enough, as they are now trailing by five points from eighth placed Penang, who drew one-all with Tengku Mahkota Sports School Johor and four points behind ninth placed Negeri Sembilan, who edged Melaka 2-1 on the road.

 The match, which was initially scheduled to kick off at 4.15pm, was played at night (8.15pm) due to a technicality. It was learnt that the match officials for the clash had their flight delayed due to the haze. Last night it was a match of not many chances for both sides. Apart from Syed Sobri’s effort, there was nothing really interesting from both sides, although Sabahawks Juniors had a chance to draw level late on through Rexjeson Pitirus.

 Unfortunately, the striker’s effort during a goalmouth merely went wide. Sabahawks Juniors take on Armed Forces on Thursday (Likas Stadium) next.