New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Tawau are paying a heavy price for fielding an ineligible player as they were docked three points and eventually missed the boat into the semi-finals of the Safa Cup grand finals 2018.
Instead, it was Kota Kinabalu, who won the last edition of the tournament that was then known as the Chief Minister’s Cup Inter-District football tournament that made the cut from Group B by virtue as group winners.
Tawau were alleged to have fielded a player from another zone, which is against the competition rules. They were deducted the three points following Kota Kinabalu’s protest, who were awarded with the win (3-0).
For the record, Tawau had defeated Kota Kinabalu 2-1 in their clash on Tuesday. They also won their opening match, 3-1 against Kota Marudu.
Yesterday, they were held to a scoreless draw by Kota Belud.
But, with the points’ deduction, they concluded their Group B campaign in third with four points behind Kota Kinabalu (seven points) and Kota Belud (five) while Kota Marudu languished at the bottom of the table with no points to show.
It was reliably learnt that Tawau were set to submit an appeal on the decision, but at press time, it was Kota Kinabalu, who concluded their challenge with a 5-1 win over Kota Marudu, and will make it into tomorrow’s semi-finals where they face off against Group A runners-up Kinabatangan.
Kota Belud will face Group A winners Keningau.
Yesterday, Keningau concluded their group challenge with a two-all draw against Kuala Penyu while Kinabatangan blanked Sipitang 2-0.
The final is on Saturday at the Likas Stadium.
Kick-off time is at 3pm.
