Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah FC Under-23 squad came from behind to draw 1-1 with JDT II FC in the MFL Cup competition held at Likas Stadium on Thursday night.
The team coached by Johnny Dominicus started well with several attempts at goal in the opening minutes.
However, the visitors were able to withstand the pressure and managed to regain control as the match progressed.
They took the lead in the 15th minute when Gabrie Nistelrooy Anak Tamin found the net from close range after receiving a pass from Umar Hakeem.
Umar almost doubled the score in the 31st minute when Sabah FC’s Njoku Jacob gifted him the ball but his shot went wide.
The home side finally made the breakthrough five minutes after the restart when substitute Sahrizan Saidin was brought down in the box and Njoku made no mistake from the spot to score the equaliser.
Both teams had the opportunity to score in the remaining period and the best chance went to JDT II when they were awarded a spot kick in the 83rd minute.
However, Daryl Sham’s powerful strike was brilliantly blocked by Fahmi Ikhwan Muhd Azmi in goal.
It was the second draw for Sabah FC in the new season following their 1-1 draw away to Penang FC a week ago.
Johnny was happy with the players’ performance despite the stalemate.
“I think it was a fair result in the end as both teams managed to create chances.
“Although we were unable to get the maximum point in our first home match, I can see that the players have improved as compared to the opening match.
“They played better as a unit and their confidence level was up as well,” he said.
He also stressed that the team is not a one-man show despite the presence of several senior team players.
“A football team is not determined by only one person. It is a team sport and all the players need the support of each other.
“I must also thank Datuk Ong Kim Swee for allowing several senior players to play for us in the match,” he added.
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