Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee praised his players’ fighting spirit as the Rhinos came from a goal down to snatch a 1-1 draw with Negeri Sembilan FC at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, in Paroi on Monday night.
He said it was an important point under the circumstances with the home side opting to play a defensive game especially after taking a one-goal lead early in the first half.
‘It was the same scenario as the game against Kuala Lumpur FC but this time we managed to get a draw.
“We created so many chances and we deserved to win but it was never easy playing away especially after conceding first.
“The players showed their commitment today because they knew it was not easy to comeback after losing two consecutive games.
“Furthermore, Negeri Sembilan made it difficult with a defensive play with long passes. However, we were able to overcome the deficit and even though it was only a point, to me it was a very important point,” he said after the match.
Sabah FC, who lost their two previous matches against Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and Kuala Lumpur FC, had started well on the night.
They could have taken an early lead in the 15th minute, but captain Baddrol Bakhtiar first saw his shot hit the post and his second attempt was denied by the goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazre.
Sikh made another crucial save two minutes later from a fierce strike by Park Taesu before his teammate and former Rhino Tommy Mawat scored from a freekick in the 21st minute.
More scoring chances were created by Sabah FC in the second half but again the players were unable to find a way past the in-form Sikh until Park’s powerful header finally found the net in the 76th minute.
The draw was Sabah FC’s second this season and they remain in fifth place with 14 points from four wins, two draws and two losses.
Their next match is against Kelantan FC at Likas Stadium on April 19.
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