Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to DPMM FC in their Super League clash at Likas Stadium on Sunday.
This marked their second consecutive home loss, following a 2-0 defeat to Kuching City FC earlier this month.
Despite making several changes to their starting line-up including a debut to Japanese import Sho Yamamoto and putting Damien Lim in goal, Sabah FC were stunned by an early goal.
In the 12th minute, DPMM FC’s skipper Azwan Ali Rahman’s corner kick bounced through a crowded box, allowing defender Ebenezer Abban to head home the opening goal.
Sabah FC responded immediately, launching successive attacks to level the score. Their efforts paid off in the 24th minute when Gonzalo Di Renzo fired home from close range, converting a sharp cutback from Miguel Cifuentes.
DPMM FC came out more aggressively in the second half, relentlessly pressuring the home defence to reclaim the advantage.
Their persistence rewarded them in the 65th minute when striker Jordan David Murray fired a shot from outside the box past Damien Lim to restore their lead.
Despite bringing on Darren Lok, Dane Ingham and Hanafie Tokyo after the goal, Sabah FC failed to breach DPMM FC’s stubborn defence, leaving the score unchanged at the final whistle.
Sabah FC head coach Juan Torres Garrido expressed disappointment following the team’s third consecutive defeat, a slump that included their recent FA Cup exit away at Selangor FC.
He noted that the team responded well after conceding the opening goal to draw level, but physical fatigue took a toll on their second-half performance.
He blamed a congested fixture list for limiting the squad’s training time, recovery and tactical preparations ahead of the match.
However, he is confident Sabah FC will bounce back. With their next match against Negeri Sembilan FC scheduled for October 17, the extended break gives the coaching staff the time they need to fix their tactical weaknesses.
