SABAH FC have done it! We have qualified for the semi-final of the FA Cup after defeating Kelantan The Real Warriors FC in the return leg of the quarterfinal tie at Likas Stadium on Wednesday night.
The score after the final whistle was 3-1 to Sabah FC and we safely sailed through with a 5-2 aggregate.
I must admit that I was a bit sceptical before the match following the team’s recent poor performance.
I am very happy they have proven me wrong. No doubt the early goal scored by either Ajdin Mujagic or Jafri Chew inside the opening 10 minutes helped to calm the players’ nerve.
It was the start that Sabah FC badly needed. It eased the pressure and I can see that the players played with more confidence and we were able to apply more pressure to the opponents’ half.
Their effort was duly awarded 10 minutes later by Ajdin with a header off a cross from Stuart Wilkin.
After taking the two-goal lead, the defensive line also managed to keep the Kelantan The Real Warriors FC attacking front at bay until late in first half injury time.
Damien Lim in goal was slow in getting the ball after coming off his line to try to intercept the cross from a freekick, allowing Simen Lyngbo to head in from close range.
Despite the hiccup for the goal conceded, it was a fine overall display from Sabah FC in the first half.
After the breather, Sabah FC came out and continued to pile on the pressure and was again rewarded in the 56th minute with another goal.
It started with S. Kumarahan taking a shot at goal but the ball hit the arm of Alexander Yeoule instead.
The referee, who took time to check with the VAR, came to the conclusion that it was a handball and awarded the penalty.
Ajdin then stepped up and coolly put the ball away to extend Sabah FC’s lead.
This was a significant result as it was our first win this season against a Super League team, who are four places above us in sixth position.
It was also our first win in all competition at Likas Stadium since the start of the new season.
I am sure it will help to ease some pressure on head coach Jean Paul de Marigny and his coaching staff.
Congratulations to the team! Let’s hope the players will get enough rest needed and able to recover in time and ready for the tough league encounter with Selangor FC this Saturday.
