Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC are still chasing their first win in the Super League after losing to Kuching City FC 0-1 in the Borneo derby at Likas Stadium on Saturday night.
They also failed to find the net for the fourth game in a row, and it was also their first home loss and third in total in the new season.
The supporters knew from the start that it was going to be an uphill task for Sabah FC as defender Dane James Ingham was the only foreign player in the starting list, while Kuching City FC started with five.
However, despite the weakened line-up, Sabah FC were able to keep the visitors at bay in the opening half and at the same time created some chances as well.
They also had a penalty denied by match officials when S. Kumaahran was seen to have been brought down inside the box by Jimmy Raymond in the 22nd minute.
It wasn’t until the 74th minute that Kuching City FC managed to make the breakthrough, when the unmarked Jordan Mintah headed home from close range.
Rhinos head coach Jean Paul de Marigny said his players played well under the circumstances but a lack of control allowed the goal to be conceded.
“We played a very good side. I thought in terms of our structure, discipline and mentality towards the game it was outstanding.
“We missed a couple of opportunities in the first half, and it was strange that we didn’t get the penalty because there was contact inside the box.
“That is the rule of the game as far as I am concerned and that is something very interesting for me.
“We were very disciplined in the second half as well but I thought we could have been more composed. The last 10-15 minutes, the players showed their trust in each other and were very brave with the ball and that showed a lot of positiveness,” he said.
He believed the players are getting to know his way of playing better.
“Their response was very good in terms of the work ethics and mentality and wanting to become better.
“There is still a lot to do in terms of structure. It is a work in progress and when you are building something, you need to start from the foundation and the players understand it.”