Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC are determined to secure their first Super League win when they host Melaka FC at the Likas Stadium here tonight (Friday).
Head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny said thorough preparations, particularly in sharpening players’ finishing in front of goal, had been emphasised to ensure they claimed the three points after recording two draws.
“Mentally and physically, the players are in excellent condition. Training this week focused more on passing accuracy and runs into space to strengthen our attacking play,” he said in a statement on Thursday night.
So far, Sabah FC have only managed two draws in the Super League – 1-1 against Kuala Lumpur City FC and 0-0 with Kelantan The Real Warriors – and currently sit ninth in the standings with two points.
De Marigny also praised the commitment of his defensive line, describing them as consistent, but stressed that the team must improve their scoring ability to capitalise on every opportunity.
“Our defence has been solid this season, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. Confidence and sharp finishing will be the key for us to win,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to Sabah FC fans for their unwavering support, describing their presence as a boost of motivation for the team.
“The strong support from our fans at Likas Stadium is something we truly value. It is our responsibility to repay that faith with our best performance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) fulfilled their prediction of collecting all three points after soundly defeating Immigration FC (IFC) 3-0 in a Super League match at the Batu Kawan Stadium, Thursday evening.
Playing away from home, the first half saw JDT having to work hard even though they were seen to be more in control on the pitch.
JDT almost opened the scoring in the 10th minute through John Irazabal, but the player failed to finish off the open opportunity in front of goal.
The Southern Tigers continued to up the ante with several dangerous attempts at goal, but the home team’s strong defence kept them at bay.
However, after eight attempts, JDT finally broke the deadlock when John Irazabal headed home the first goal of the match in the 43rd minute from a corner kick taken by Arif Aiman, beating Muhammad Zarif Irfan.
Head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny said thorough preparations, particularly in sharpening players’ finishing in front of goal, had been emphasised to ensure they claimed the three points after recording two draws.
“Mentally and physically, the players are in excellent condition. Training this week focused more on passing accuracy and runs into space to strengthen our attacking play,” he said in a statement on Thursday night.
So far, Sabah FC have only managed two draws in the Super League – 1-1 against Kuala Lumpur City FC and 0-0 with Kelantan The Real Warriors – and currently sit ninth in the standings with two points.
De Marigny also praised the commitment of his defensive line, describing them as consistent, but stressed that the team must improve their scoring ability to capitalise on every opportunity.
“Our defence has been solid this season, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. Confidence and sharp finishing will be the key for us to win,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to Sabah FC fans for their unwavering support, describing their presence as a boost of motivation for the team.
“The strong support from our fans at Likas Stadium is something we truly value. It is our responsibility to repay that faith with our best performance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) fulfilled their prediction of collecting all three points after soundly defeating Immigration FC (IFC) 3-0 in a Super League match at the Batu Kawan Stadium, Thursday evening.
Playing away from home, the first half saw JDT having to work hard even though they were seen to be more in control on the pitch.
JDT almost opened the scoring in the 10th minute through John Irazabal, but the player failed to finish off the open opportunity in front of goal.
The Southern Tigers continued to up the ante with several dangerous attempts at goal, but the home team’s strong defence kept them at bay.
However, after eight attempts, JDT finally broke the deadlock when John Irazabal headed home the first goal of the match in the 43rd minute from a corner kick taken by Arif Aiman, beating Muhammad Zarif Irfan.
