Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Football Association (Safa) women’s team maintained their winning streak in the National Women’s League with a 3-1 victory over Selangor FC at Penampang Stadium on Sunday night.
The home team snatched the lead in the 33rd minute of this top-of-the-table clash, courtesy of a clinical Mai-Lisa Atis finish. It was a brilliant breakaway pass from Rosdiana Adeline that set up the opening goal.
Despite intense pressure from the visitors after the goal, Sabah’s defensive unit held firm. Veteran goalkeeper Asma Junaidi commanded her area with confidence, while the back four of Steffi Kaur, Delainey Varela-Keen, Rosdiana and Juliana Barek comfortably neutralised every threat.
The introduction of Sebin An in the second half injected fresh energy in Sabah FA’s performance, and in the 62nd minute Delainey headed home the South Korean’s precise corner kick to double Sabah FA’s lead.
A lapse of concentration in the 68th minute allowed Selangor FC to reduce the deficit through Julissa Cisneros with a close-range effort.
Selangor FC then missed a penalty minutes later followed by a shot that hit the post before Sebin settled the match in the dying minutes with a long-range shot that bounced over the goalkeeper.
Sabah FA’s head coach Bobby Gonzales attributed the victory to an outstanding team performance.
“Each member of the team contributed to this success, and I am extremely satisfied with their efforts. It was a tightly contested match. Despite facing challenges, including several players recovering from injuries and overall fatigue from the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage recently, the squad displayed resilience and determination on home turf to secure three invaluable points.
Their performance reflected the diligent training plan we have implemented, showcasing their commitment and hard work from the first minute to the final whistle,” he said.
He also revealed that the team faces significant challenges ahead, with Sebin may be sidelined by an injury, fellow import Ayuri Terawaki suffering a concussion and Misaki Nakayama managing a hamstring issue.
Meanwhile, the victory leaves Sabah FA as the league’s only unbeaten team, topping the table with 13 points from four wins and a draw. Selangor FC sit in second place with 12 points, followed closely by Kelana United with 10 points.
