Kota Kinabalu: Ex-Rhino Ajdin Mujagic came back to haunt his former team as he scored both goals in Kuching City FC’s 2-0 victory over Sabah FC in the Borneo derby at Likas Stadium on Saturday.
The Bosnian striker released by Sabah FC mid-season last year to join Johor Darul Ta’zim FC before landing in Kuching City FC this season scored the opener after only five minutes with a thunderous strike outside the box following a mistake by Fadrul Danel in midfield.
A second costly mistake followed soon after in the 21st minute. R. Dinesh tried to head the ball to his teammate, but Mujagic anticipated the pass and intercepted it. He then charged forward and unleashed a powerful strike into the back of the net.
He was given multiple opportunities to complete his hat-trick throughout the remaining minutes, but a resolute Sabah FC defence and the in-form goalkeeper Juna Flere stood in his way.
Sabah FC also had their chances to score in the second half. Darren Lok, who was named in the starting line-up almost reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute when his attempt to flick the ball into the net was denied by goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli, who pulled off a stunning point-blank reflex save to protect their lead.
Despite Sabah FC’s desperate attempts to find the goal in the late stages, the decisive breakthrough never came as Kuching City FC held firm to protect their 2-0 lead until the very end.
Sabah FC head coach Juan Torres Garrido attributed his team’s loss to individual brilliance and moments of “magic” from Mujagic.
“They beat us today because of one player. We did make mistakes, no doubt about that, but they were not even close to the box. You just cannot predict a player scoring twice from long range outside the box,” he said.
Despite the tough loss, he was pleased with how his players had fought.
“Overall, we were able to keep our spirit, our style and our identity. When you play with this much heart, sometimes you still lose. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my players.”
