By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tambadaus were denied three points by late equaliser in the Premier League match against UiTM where it ended 1-1 at Likas Stadium, Saturday night. The home side were on course to return to their winning ways after recent two losses with a goal from Rodoljub Paunovic in the 49th minute.
However, the players somehow seemed to lose their focus with 20 minutes to go, allowing the visitors to detect the game and they were forced to concede a number of fouls outside the box which proved to be costly. UiTM took advantage of the opportunities and came away for a point thanks to their import player Robert Waly Lopez Mendy who scored the equaliser from a free kick in the 84th minute.
The goal gave Sabah players wakeup call and they attempted to regain the lead with offensive play in the final minutes and it came too late and they were unable to beat the in-form UiTM keeper who denied them with some excellent saves. Sabah were a better side on the night, Jelius Ating who gave veteran defender Mafry Balang the skipper armband following the suspension Rawilson Batuil organised the defence well and able to neutralise any threats posed by the visitors on open play.
Rozaimie Rohim in goal also proved to be safe pair of hands with several good saves apart from the strike by Robert. Sabah could also have taken a two-goal lead before the equaliser when Luka Milunovic tried to loft the ball over the keeper but was denied by the crossbar instead. With the result, Sabah have collected 15 points from four wins, three draws and two losses. Their next match is against UKM on April 20 here at Likas Stadium.
