SABAH FC progressed to the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup competition by defeating Bunga Raya FC 6–0 on aggregate score.
This followed the goalless draw in the second leg tie played at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium on Wednesday.
We fielded a bunch of new faces and still we were the better side, but it was definitely not a convincing display from the players.
There was no pressure from the A1 League side and still we were unable to find our scoring touch.
It is three games in a row now that we failed to find the net and it worries me with the Borneo derby coming this Saturday.
Kuching City FC will be coming to town and it will be another acid test for Sabah FC. The question on everyone’s lips is how will we fare against them.
Are we ready to take on a side who are performing reasonably well in the Super League since the start of the season.
They are in fourth place in the table with 10 points from three wins, one draw and one loss.
Their only loss was to JDT FC and it was a 0-1 defeat, while the 2-2 draw was away against Negeri Sembilan FC.
Against an in-form team, will we be able to parade our best players on the pitch or there will be another makeshift team?Whatever it may be, the Borneo derby has over the years been an important game for both teams. A win has to be on the minds of the players who are called upon.
The two recent defeats may have deflated the morale of the team but the players need to keep their heads up and play with grit and determination.
I hope the players can produce their very best and stay focused until the final whistle.
An early goal is crucial to prevent Kuching City FC from taking an early lead and it will spur up the morale of the team.
Kuching City FC know that they are in a very good position to get the win in this tie, and I am sure they will be very determined and hungry to achieve that.
With Sabah FC still reeling from the two bad losses, I can bet my last dollar that they will seize this opportunity to bring home the three points.
Let’s hope Jean-Paul de Marigny and his crew can motivate the players and come up with the right strategy to get the victory.
A win and good performance will mean the world to the team. Don’t forget the fans will be there to support the team and let’s make them return home happy.
