By FRANCIS XAVIER
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| CLOSE MARKING … Tambadau’s Serbian attacker Luka Milunovic (right) fights for the ball with his Penang opponent during the Premier League tie at the Likas Stadium on Saturday. – Photo Credit: Safa Media |
KOTA KINABALU: Jelius Ating admitted that luck was in Tambadau’s favour in their 2-0 win over Penang at the Likas Stadium on Saturday. The coach said it was a hard fought win and they were fortunate to have walked away with the three points. “It was not an easy win for us because Penang played well and created enough chances (to win), but, I think we had better luck on the night. “In fact, we could have won by more than two goals but for me, that was enough because what’s important is that we collect all three points,” said Jelius in an interview after the match.
He also praised his charges for their steely determination to win the tie. The Tambadau head coach said his players worked hard throughout the game. “I have to give credit to all the players where they worked tirelessly, not only in the match but in training (during the three-week break), just to produce the desired result.
“I’m happy that we achieved what we set out for and it proved their hard work did not go down to waste. “I also want to thank the fans for their support…our victory is theirs too,” Jelius aid while thanking the management for arranging the friendly matches during the recent break which had given a positive impact on the team. Luiz Carlos Junior starred for the Tambadau as his brace sent them to the top of the league standings The Brazilian striker scored his first with a close-range header off a corner taken by Sabri Sahar when the match was only two minutes old. .
He added his second by lashing home a superb pass from his striking pair Rodoljub Paunovic from just outside the six-yard box. When asked on Sabri Sahar, who limped out of the game after 23 minutes of play, Jelius said a further test was needed to determine the extent of the injury suffered by the midfielder. “We will wait for the doctor’s assessment. Hopefully, nothing is serious and that he can recover quickly to prepare for our upcoming games.
“If not, I have every confidence in my players to fill in the gap left by Sabri…we have a capable replacement,” he said. Meanwhile, Penang assistant coach Kamal Khalid blamed their poor finishing, especially in the first half, for the defeat. “It was an evenly contested game but Sabah (Tambadau) took their chances well and we did not…that’s what separated the teams tonight. “Another factor is the referee who allowed Sabah’s second goal to stand which demoralised our players,” he said.
With the victory, Tambadau lead the 11-team standings on 14 points. Second-placed Johor Darul Ta’zim II (JDT II) are also on 14, but lose out on goal difference to the new leaders. Third-placed UiTM FC are on 13 points. However, both JDT II and UiTM FC had played a game lesser than the Tambadau. Next, Tambadau will take on Kelantan United FC in the second round of the FA Cup at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Bharu on April 3 followed by their Premier League fixture against Selangor United FC at MPS Stadium in Selayang on April 6.
