Sabah Rhinos stormed to a 4-2 win over Stallion FC in their first pre-season match in the Philippines at Stadium Binan, Laguna on Tuesday. Two potential foreign import signings were given the opportunity to start the match with South Korean Park Taesu in defence and Petru Leuca from Moldova in the striker’s role.
The others starting players were Rozaimie Rohim, Rawilson Batuil, Dendy Lowa, Sabri Sahar, Randy Baruh, Maxsius Musa,Justin Samaan, Azizan Nordin and Ricco Nigel Milus. The 1.91m Petru made a good impression by scoring the third goal for Sabah in the first half after captain Rawilson Batuil opened the scoring followed by Maxsius Musa’s strike to put Sabah 3-0 up at half time. Azizzan Nordin then extended Sabah’s lead at the start of the second half from the spot before head coach Jelius Ating made some changes with reserve players.
The substitutions allowed the hosts to reduce the deficit with two goals, but were unable to find the third until the final whistle. Team manager Henry Saimpon when contacted said it was a good match for Sabah Rhinos. “This match is not about winning but what is important is the team was given the real test by the hosts who finished fourth in the Philippines Football League (PFL) last season,” he said. He also said the two foreign players will continue to be monitored by the coaches and management before any decision is made.
Sabah will next take on Kaya FC at Philippines Football Federation Training Centre in Carmona Cavite tomorrow (Thursday). Their opponents who had beaten them 2-1 in the pre-season friendly last year were the runners-up in the PFL last season, and Henry expects a tougher match for Sabah. -GL Oh
