New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Last edition winners Keningau and runners-up Papar were among the latest teams to have booked their places in the knockout stage of the 2nd KDM Malaysia Football League 2018-2019.
They are joined by seven other teams namely Penampang (from Group B), Kudat, Putatan (Group C), Ranau (Group D), Tongod, Kepayan (Group G) and Lahad Datu (Group H).
These nine teams will accompany six other teams that have earned their tickets earlier on.
The six teams are Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu and Sepanggar (Group A), Telupid and Karambunai (Group E), Sugut (Group F) and Semporna (Group H).
Organising secretary Jellysius Saimpon said with the latest development, the remaining slot for the round of 16, will be fought between Kimanis and Kota Marudu.
“Both teams are level on three points.
They will be pitted against each other this weekend. Kimanis are holding a slight advantage with more goals scored.
Meanwhile, Keningau confirmed their ticket after registering a hard-fought 4-3 win over Sugut at the Keningau Sports Complex over the weekend. The feat saw them win the Group F challenge while Sugut stay in second.
As for Papar, they recorded an easy 6-1 win over Kedamaian at the Botung Sports Complex in Kota Belud that eventually saw them finish behind Ranau in the group.
The rest of the results played over the weekend saw the already qualified Penampang defeat Kimanis 3-1, Kudat thrash Liawan 4-0, Putatan draw 0-0 with Pitas, Ranau demolish Kuala Penyu 5-0, Tongod defeat Kota Belud 3-1, Kepayan edge Kemabong 1-0 while Lahad Datu drew 2-2 with Semporna.
But it was Telupid that stole the show during the weekend as they ended their challenge not only with an unbeaten record, but their narrow 1-0 win over Karambunai also saw them making it into the next round without conceding a single goal.
They are the only team to have achieved a perfect record in the group stage.
“The round of 16 will be played in a home and away format with the winners making it into the next round.
“The date for the round of 16 clashes will be announced soon,” said Jellysius. According to him, prior to the round of 16 battles, FA Cup matches that also involve the 32 competing teams will be played.
“The draw for the FA Cup matches will be held at the Likas Stadium meeting room on Feb 23,” he said, adding that it is expected to kick off on March 3 (FA Cup).
