KOTA KINABALU: Nine more teams have booked themselves into the next round of the KDM Football League competition following last weekend’s group ties. The latest teams to make the last 16 stage are Penampang in Group B, Kudat and Putatan in Group C, Ranau and Papar in Group D, Keningau in Group F, Tongod and Kepayan in Group G, and Lahad Datu in Group H.
One slot in Group B has yet to be decided and the match between Kota Marudu and Kimanis will determine who will follow Penampang who already topped the group to make the cut. Both teams have four points each but Kimanis have a better goal difference and a draw will see them through while Kota Marudu must win the match at all cost.
Defending champions Keningau who had a shaky start in the tournament defeated Sugut 4-3 in their final match and edged them by one point to top Group F. Last season’s runner-up Papar also progressed with a 6-1 win over Kadmaian in Group D to finish second behind Ranau. In two top of the table clashes, Bandaraya defeated Sepanggar 2-0 at Likas Stadium to top Group A while Telupid edged Karambunai 1-0 at Padang Penjara Kepayan in Group E.
Other results involved teams who were fighting for qualifying spots saw Penampang beat Kimanis 3-1, Kudat beat Liawan 4-0, Putatan drew 0-0 with Pitas, Ranau defeated Kuala Penyu 5-0, Tongod beat Kota Belud 3-1, Kepayan edged Kemabong 1-0 and Lahad Datu drew 2-2 with Semporna. Tournament secretary Jellysius Saimpon said the last 16 matches will be knock-out leg (home and away). “The date for the last 16 ties will be confirmed as soon as possible and before that, the FA Cup will commence with all 32 teams,” he said after a meeting on Tuesday. He added that the draw for the FA Cup will be held at Likas Stadium meeting room on February 23 and the completion will begin on March 3. - GL Oh
