Kota Kinabalu: Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee hailed strong team spirit for Sabah FC’s dramatic 3-2 win over Kuala Lumpur FC at Likas Stadium on Sunday night.
The Rhinos were trailing 1-2 with 11 minutes to go before they overturned the deficit in injury time to grab the precious three points.
After both teams failed to find the target in the first half, Stuart Wilkin struck the opener in the 52nd minute.
The lead lasted only eight minutes as Romel Morales headed in the equaliser before Haqimi Azim struck a fierce shot to put the visitors ahead in the 71st minute.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Sabah FC tried to fight back with the backing of the home crowd and they were rewarded in the 79th minute.
Park Taesu, as so often in the past, came to the rescue again when his shot took a big deflection before finding the net.
Then, in the last minute of the game, substitute Gabriel Peres flicked in the winner from a pass by Rizal Ghazali.
“The players showed a very positive attitude and they worked hard until the very last moment to bring us the victory.
“We knew it was never easy to play against KL City. They were very effective in their game play and we did not get many opportunities in the first half but at the same time we also did not concede any goals,” said Ong after the match.
He added that the stalemate in the opening 45 minutes opened up the game in the second half.
“The scoreless first half gave both teams the opportunities in the second half. It was an even game and we managed to score first before falling behind.
“But as I said, we displayed the right attitude until the very end and managed to get the win.
“The players must make sure they will maintain this attitude in the remaining matches. This is important because we cannot afford to lose any more points here as we are coming towards the end of the season,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC’s next game is the return-leg round of 16 Malaysia Cup tie against Kuching City FC here on Saturday (August 19) before another home game in the league against Negeri Sembilan FC on August 26.
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