Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC defeated Kelantan The Red Warriors 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final first leg tie at the Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium on Friday.
They took the early lead after Jafri Chew escaped his marker to score the opener in the 11th minute when he volleyed home a cross delivered by Stuart Wilkin.
However, the lead only lasted five minutes as the home side was able to equalise through Abdul Sesay, who was unmarked in the box before shooting past Damien Lim after receiving the ball from Albert Kang.
Sabah FC then took advantage of poor defending from Kelantan to regain the lead in the 43rd minute with a tap in from Ajdin Mujagic following his early attempt that hit the crossbar.
Despite immense pressure from the home side, Sabah FC’s defence was able to stand firm to frustrate their scoring opportunities until the final whistle.
Sabah head coach Jean Paul de Marigny was delighted to see his players finally getting their first win in four matches.
“I am very pleased with the overall performance of the team. We talked about changing the playing style in the previous three games and it was the first time that we had one full week to make the players understand how we wanted them to play.
“It executed quite well most of the time and the first goal scored was designed that way to give the players the belief.
“This is only the first phase, so we will only be getting better. Credit also to the players’ work ethic with their desire to protect the goal and the calmness on the ball,” he said.
He is also hoping that some of the injured players will be available for the second leg scheduled on October 29 here at Likas Stadium.
“It is only the half time in a Cup game. At the moment, it is all about recovering and trying to get back as many numbers (players) as possible.
“As you can see, we are short in numbers, but it is also an opportunity for players to experience this level of football and everyone who was given the opportunity has done very well for the team,” he added.
Kelantan assistant head coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli has not pressed the ‘panic button’ to qualify for the semi-finals.
Akmal said he is still optimistic of his team advancing to the next round even though the advantage now favoured the opposing side.
“The chance to reach the semi-finals is still there and I am confident that the players can overcome Sabah FC when they play in Kota Kinabalu in the second leg on Oct 29.
“My players can win if they play like they did tonight with full enthusiasm and create many chances, they just need to sharpen their finishing in attack,” he said.
