New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Under-19 team managed a 1-0 victory over Pahang during their Youth Cup Group B encounter at the Indera Mahkota UIA Stadium in Kuantan, on Sunday.
The state’s youngest football squad registered their second consecutive win after previously trashing Penang, 7-1 at home a week ago.
The match yesterday tested Sabah’s determination where the home side almost scored midway through the match but their spot kick was saved by Sabah’s goalkeeper.
Johan Mansur scored the match winner in the 88th minute after a quick counter attack, to secure Sabah all three points.
Head coach Billyton Vun Kit Ming was pleased with his players’ performance and applauded their determination to win a close match which could have ended both ways.
“The players deserved the win after playing fair and square against Pahang in one of the closest games we have had so far this season.
“Our training routines of speed and endurance are showing positive results as the players able to maintain strong endurance level before displaying a quick counter attack to score the winner late on.
“With the victory, most of the players now have the confidence to perform better in upcoming matches and we hope to close out the first round with another win in the next game,” he said when contacted, yesterday.
Sabah now have nine points in Group B where next they will host Perak at the Penampang Stadium on May 1 (Wednesday) for the first round’s final match. – UMESH RAJAN
