Sabah stun UPB-MyTEAM

Kota Kinabalu: Reinvigorated Sabah on Friday night humbled high-riding UPB-MyTEAM 3-1 to renew their hopes in the Premier League challenge at the Likas Stadium.

Nigerian import Charles Obi proved his mettle by scoring twice while the other goal was scored by peninsula import Chow Chee Wing.

MyTEAM were given a consolation with an own goal from Nigerian defender Prince Eboagwu Etuew.

Rhinos left winger Chee Wing tested the visitors' goalkeeper three minutes into the game with a low grounder but goalie Faizal Rashid parried it away.

Not to be outdone, Sabah's newly signed foreign import Ijebor Prince Guy Ative unleashed a fierce shot that was successfully palmed away by the in-form Faizal.

Ative made another attempt in the ninth minute but his shot went wide.

The visitors nearly went ahead less than a minute later when Croatian striker Dejan Miljanic rose high to head Mohd Harris Safwan's cross but saw his header go narrowly wide.

Sabah dominated the game in the ensuing minutes but was only able to make a stab at goal with veteran midfielder Henry Saimpon's dipping first timer forcing MyTEAM number one keeper Faizal having to stretch backwards to tip the ball over the bar.

Obi had a chance just inches away from the goalmouth but he skied his shot.

Clubside right winger Shakir Shaari's lame attempt in the 41st minute hardly made an impact.

Sabah finally broke the deadlock with a curling freekick from Chee Wing during first half injury time to the delight of the 1,000 odd die-hard fans.

Five minutes after the breather, Obi coolly slotted the ball past custodian Faizal after receiving a through ball from fellow Nigerian Ative for Sabah's second goal.

With two goals in the bag, Croatian-coached MyTEAM seemed more desperate to close the widening gap. Then an own goal by defender Etuew in the 54th minute gave them a flicker of hope of salvaging something from the match.

Etuew had intended to clear the ball after Sabah custodian Irwan Jamil's fine save off MyTEAM striker Mohd Harris Safwan's low shot slipped.

Looking confused, the Nigerian import kicked the ball into his own net which left the players and fans groaning after enjoying a two-goal margin.

A minute later and apparently still reeling from the blunder, Etuew almost equalised for MyTEAM when he deflected a cross from an opponent but thankfully it hit the upright for a fruitless corner.

Croatian coach Drago Mamic took hardworking midfielder Henry Saimpon out in the 63rd minute for a pair of fresh legs in Hardy Charles Parsi to strengthen the central midfield.

In the 73rd minute, a MyTEAM midfielder attempted a crack at Sabah's goal from long range but keeper Irwan was equal to the task.

Referee Ravichandran Chappanimutu did not hesitate to flash a yellow card to MyTEAM winger Shakir Shaari for a harsh tackle on Rajes Perumal.

With 12 minutes remaining, Mamic decided to replace Chee Wing with Mohd Radzi Hussin while MyTEAM coach Bojan Hodak took out Shakir for Razlan Oto.

With the minutes ticking down the clearly distraught MyTEAM again made a desperate long-range shot from Mohd Harris but the ball was cleared away harmlessly.

Sabah made another substitution in the 85th minute with veteran Burhan Ajui replacing Rajes.

There was hardly any dangerous attacking move from the visitors with the Rhinos defence being well marshalled by national defender Ronny Harun together with S. Sunder Selver Raju, Rosdin Wasli and Obi.

Three minutes before full time, Obi struck the winning goal with a fine header off a cross from teammate Ative.

Although the win did little to dent MyTEAM's campaign in the Premier League, Sabah definitely deserved the long awaited win over them.

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NOTHING TO FEAR

KOTA KINABALU: An explosive clash is on the cards as Sabah take on surprise leaders UPB-MyTEAM in a Premier League challenge at the Likas Stadium tonight.

And this is surely one big match for Sabah as far as their Premier League challenge is concerned.

They know they just cannot afford to slip points away from their grasp as it could put them in trouble.

Datuk Anifah Aman knows how big and important the match is for the Rhinos.

“When you look at our situation, of course this is going to be a big match for us. I think it is going to be an explosive one too.

“But we are ready for the challenge, and I really hope we will have a good game tomorrow,” the Sabah FA President said.

“Here I would like to urge the fans to come in full force to support our team. Their presence would certainly help the team play better.

“I can assure them that we will certainly give the best we can to win the game for the fans.

Anifah, who is also the FA of Malaysia Vice President, added: “Although we may be seen at the wrong end of the standings in the league, but I think it would be wrong to suggest that this is going to be a one sided affair.”

“We had a good game against Johor FC, and if we take it from there, I’m confident we will get what we are aiming for,” Anifah said referring to Sabah’s 4-3 victory over the club side in a FA Cup second round challenge on Tuesday.

“I’m also glad to see that our new signing (Prince Ativie Guy) seemed to click well with Charles Obi in the Johor FC game.

“And I think their partnership will get better. And it would also be a big game for him (Prince Ativie Guy) as this will be his home match debut.

Prince Ativie Guy scored Sabah’s third goal against Johor FC in his debut for the team.

But while Sabah will have all-Nigerian imports with defender Prince Eboagwa Etuwe being the other, UPB-MyTEAM will be strengthened by the presence of all-Croatian foreign players, namely Mijo Dadic, Dijan Miljanic and Marin Mikac.

Mijo, who previously played for MK Land, is a defender, while Dijan is an attacking midfielder and Marin is a former Croatian Under-21 striker.

Another interesting factor in the build-up to the match is that both teams are being coached by Croatians – Drago Mamic for Sabah, while UPB-MyTEAM is being coached by Bojan Hodak.

And the presence of the top three scorers in the league will only make the match a mouth-watering one.

UPB-MyTEAM’s Marin is the current league top scorer with seven goals, while Sabah’s striker-in-chief Obi and Dijan both registered five goals each.

Meanwhile, Drago reminded the Rhinos not to be afraid of their opponents, pointing out that they have the quality to turn the table on the table toppers.

For the record, UPB-MyTEAM are leading the pack in the 11-team standings on 20 points, while Sabah are second from bottom on seven points.

“They are undoubtedly the best side in the Premier League at the moment, and we must respect them for that. However, you shouldn’t be afraid of them because I firmly believe that you all have the quality to achieve a positive result,” Drago said as he briefed his charges before their light training at the Likas Stadium yesterday.

While not wanting to add additional pressure on the players, Drago said that they (players) must know what to do tomorrow.

“They have proven that they can play good football. We have beaten top sides like Perak, Johor FC or Melaka, and I see no reason why we cannot do the same tomorrow night.

Like Anifah, Drago is also expecting the match to be an explosive one.

“I think this match is going to be explosive and entertaining. They are a good side, but I think we are also a good squad too.

“When you look at our statistics, I think we have made progress. We have played 14 games, and if these 14 matches were all league matches, it would have put us among the top teams.

“But I’m not too worried about our current position in the league because we are now in transition. Once we get over it, then we will be among the top teams,” said Drago.

While Sabah will certainly be playing its three foreign players, UPB-MyTEAM is also expecting to do the same.

The bonus point for the Rhinos is that they have all their best players for the clash, including team skipper Ronny Harun.

And if the Rhinos can show off fast and fluent football as they did against Perak, then victory will be theirs tonight.

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OBI STEALS THE SHOW

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos new boy Ijiebor Ativie Prince Guy may have scored in his debut for the team, but it was Charles Obi that stole the show in the 4-3 second round FA Cup victory over Johor FC on Tuesday.

The Rhinos striker-in-chief whose 117th minute strike, made sure that Sabah went through to the quarter-finals in the competition that they last won in 1995.

Both teams were tied 3-3 at full time which prompted the match to be decided in extra time.

It was Ijiebor that contributed to the Rhinos first goal when his thunderous drive deflected off Johor FC defender, Promrut Choketawee’s leg, for an own goal in the 22nd minute.

But Walter Ariel Silva levelled the score for Johor FC in the 32nd minute. And in the 36th minute Obi restored Sabah’s one goal lead with a sizzling finish.

The lanky Nigerian striker outwitted three defenders, Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, Promrut and Daudsu Jamaluddin before rounding off goalkeeper Yusof Ishak to drill home a stiff grounder that eventually saw Sabah taking a 2-1 half time lead.

But Fahruzzahar Ali put Johor FC on level terms again three minutes after the break before helping his side to take the lead when he netted his second in the 60th minute.

In the 72nd minute, Ijiebor’s low drive defeated Yusof for the third time in the night that eventually sent the match into extra-time.

“Although we took the lead, but we were a bit shaky in the first 30 minutes. But the players tried really hard, and after Obi scored our second, only then we were in the game.

“And we were also a bit unfortunate to concede two early goals in the second half.

“Despite trailing, the players never showed any kind of slacking or giving up and when he (Ijiebor) scored the equaliser, it was a 50-50 affair.

“But overall, I think we deserved the victory,” said the Rhinos team manager Rahman Zakaria.

For the record, Johor FC is the fifth Super League outfit the Rhinos have beaten after Melaka, whom they edged 2-1 in the first round, followed by Perak (1-0), Sarawak (3-0), and Pahang (1-0) and managed to hold Kedah to a one-all draw (all in Malaysia Cup). And the victory will be just the right tonic ahead of their clash against Premier League leaders UPB-MyTEAM.

“The victory is just what we need ahead of our big game on Friday,” Rahman said, referring to the UPB-MyTEAM clash at the Likas Stadium on Friday.

For the record, Sabah is one of the five Premier League outfits that make it into the last eight. The other teams that survived in the knockout competition are UPB-MyTEAM, Selangor PKNS, Johor PG and Kuala Muda Naza.

The other three teams are from the Super League namely Kedah, Selangor and Melaka Telekom.

UPB-MyTEAM booked the ticket after edging Negeri Sembilan NAZA 3-1 while Selangor PKNS stunned Pahang 4-2 in penalty shootout. The match ended one-all after extra time.

Johor PG also won in penalty shootout. They defeated Kelantan 5-4 after both teams ended the tie two-all after extra time.

As for Kuala Muda Naza, they trounced Shahzan Muda 5-1 while Kedah edged Perak 1-0 while Selangor defeated Armed Forces 4-1. Melaka Telekom claimed the berth with a 2-0 victory over Perlis.

The quarter-final draw will be held on May 2, the first leg will be played on May 15. And the second leg on May 29.

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Sabah book ticket to FA Cup quarter-final

Kuala Lumpur: Six more teams, Kedah, Selangor, TMFC, UPB MyTeam, Selangor PKNS and Sabah, have booked their ticket to the FA Cup quarter final after they beat their opponents in the second round of the competition Tuesday.

The other two teams which have already qualified are Johor Pasir Gudang and Kuala Muda Naza who won their game Monday night.

In Johor Bahru, Johor FC failed to advance to the quarter final when they lost 3-4 to Sabah at the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium.

Goals from the host came from Walter Ariel Silva in the 32nd minute and Fahruzahar Ali in the 48th and on the hour.

Sabah's goals came from an own goal by Choketawee Promrut in the first half, Charles Obi in the 36th minute and in the 117th in extra time, and from Ijebor Prince Guy in the 72nd minute.

At the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium, Selangor trounced Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) 4-1, with goals from Selangor coming from D. Surendran in the 42nd minute, Mohd Fadhil Mohd Hashim (57th minute) and Mohd Safee Mohd Sale (71st and 88th).

Mohd Nazri Akui replied with the solitary goal for ATM four minutes from time.

At the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council Stadium, last season's FA Cup runner-up Perlis, lost 0-2 to TMFC.

TMFC, previously known as Melaka Telekom, opened the score through a penalty kick by Debrah Derrick in the 44th minute and Chaswe Nsofwa contributed the second goal in the 81st minute.

In Alor Star, host Kedah won narrowly 1-0 in a hard-fought match against Perak at the Darul Aman Stadium.

The goal was scored by import striker Marlon Alex James in the 77th minute.

At the Shah Alam Stadium, UPB MyTeam defeated Negeri Sembilan 3-1.

The club's goals were contributed by Marin Mitac in the 47th and 79th minute, while the third goal came from Dejan Wiljanic in the 81st minute.

Negeri Sembilan's only goal was scored by Zakuan Adha Abd Razak three minutes from time.

In Kuantan Selangor PKNS advanced by putting in six goals against Pahang's five in a penalty shoot-out after both teams still drew 1-1 after extra time.

Zulkifli Mohd Yusof shocked the visitors with a goal just after two minutes of play before Sapian Abd Wahid equalised seven minutes later. - Bernama

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POSTPONEMENT OF MATCH A FIX?

KOTA KINABALU: The postponement of the Sabah-Police Premier League tie could have been a fix!

This is following a revelation by a national newspaper – Berita Harian – that no sign of repair works were being done at the match venue – the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium.

This prompted the Sabah FA Secretary General Alfred Lojiton to call on the FA of Malaysia to thoroughly look into the matter.

“It would be a wise thing to do for the FAM to find out the truth behind all this. If it is true that there are no works being done then I see no reason why the match should have been postponed,” he said.

“If the report is true of course we are very upset because the match was postponed for no reason,” the Sabah FA Secretary General said when contacted yesterday.

“And furthermore it is not good for the league itself when a particular team receives different treatment from the other.

“If the FAM is to have double standards in their ruling or decisions, I don’t think it will do the sport any good.

“It is our humble call to ask the FAM to thoroughly look into the newspaper report because this cannot go on and affect the development of the league.

“At the same time, we would also be requesting our President Datuk Anifah Aman, who is one of the Vice Presidents (of the FAM) to bring the matter up to the FAM.

The match that was initially scheduled for March 23 at the MPS Stadium was postponed following a request by Police, who produced a letter from the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang to the FA of Malaysia stating that the venue would be under repair during the match day.

In the letter it stated that the stadium would be closed for some drainage works from March 21 to 25.

However a check by the said newspaper on Sunday found that no repair works were done and thus this gave an indication that some hanky panky is going on.

To make it really look like a fix, the FAM regulations clearly state that any request for postponement must be made 14 days before match day. Another factor to take into account is the mutual agreement between the two teams.

The said newspaper then went on to assume that the postponement was made on the request from the sponsor of the Police team who refused to play following the absence of one of its import players from Kenya – Benedict Changi, who flew home to play for his country’s Olympic squad.

The said newspaper also quoted FAM Secretary General Datuk Dr Seri Ibrahim Saad as saying that the postponement was made two days before match day as they had no choice following a letter from the MPS.

“We did not postpone the match on purpose. The Police team management informed us about the MPS plan to do some drainage works on the stadium.

“And because there was no stadium available around Klang Valley, we had no choice but to postpone the match,” he added.

For the record, the match has been rescheduled for May 7.

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Safa call on FAM to look into postponement

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FA secretary general, Alfred Lojiton has called on the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) to look into the postponement of the Sabah-Police Premier League clash.

This is in the wake of a national newspaper, Berita Harian report revealing that there could be other agenda behind the postponement.

"It would be a wise thing for the FAM to find out the truth behind all this.

If it is true that there is no work being done then I see no reason why the match should have been postponed, he said.

"If the report is true of course we will be very upset because the match was postponed for no reason, said Lojitan on Tuesday.

"And furthermore it is not good for the league itself when a particular team receives different treatment from the other.

"If the FAM is to have double standards in their ruling or decision, I don't think it will do the sport good.

"It is our humble call to ask the FAM to thoroughly look into the newspaper report because this little thing cannot go on and affect the development of the league.

"At the same time, we would also be requesting our President Datuk Anifah Aman, who is one of the Vice Presidents (of FAM) to bring the matter up to the FAM.

The match that was initially scheduled for March 23 at the MPS Stadium was postponed following a request by Police, who produced a letter from the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang to the FA of Malaysia stating that the venue will be under repair during the match day.

In the letter it stated that the stadium would be closed for some drainage works from March 21-25.

However a check by the said newspaper (Berita Harian) on Sunday found that there were no repair work done and thus this gave an indication that something was going on.

The FAM regulations clearly states that any request for postponement must be made 14 days before match day.

Another factor to take into account is the mutual agreement between the two teams.

The said newspaper then went on to assume that the postponement was made on the request from the sponsor of the Police team who refused to play following the absence of one of its import players from Kenya, Benedict Changi, who flew home to play for his country's Olympic squad. The said newspaper also quoted FAM Secretary General Datuk Dr Seri Ibrahim Saad as saying that the postponement was made two days before match day as they have no choice following a letter from the MPS.

"We did not postpone the match on purpose. The Police team management informed us about the MPS plan to do some drainage works on the stadium.

"And because there is no stadium available around Klang Valley, we had no choice but to postpone the match. For the record, the match has been rescheduled for May 7."

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LAST-8 BERTH UP FOR GRABS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be banking on its latest signing in Ijiebor Ativie Prince Guy when they take on Johor FC in the second round of the FA Cup at the Tan Sri Dato Hj Hassan Yunos Stadium, Larkin tonight.

The 20-year-old Nigerian attacking player is very likely to make his debut after getting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) in time for the clash.

“He is free to play, but then again it is up to the coach to decide whether he would start for the team,” said Sabah FA executive secretary Harry Baking, who confirmed that they have received Ijiebor’s ITC.

Ijiebor was signed to replace Poland striker Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski, who left the team on a mutual agreement with the FA.

He is the third Nigerian in the team after striker-in-chief Charles Obi and defender Prince Eboagwa Etuwe.

Ijiebor, who made his overseas debut by playing for a club in the Vietnam League for the 2005-2006 season prior to his arrival in the Land Below the Wind, is expected to spearhead the Rhinos’ attack together with Obi as he was among the Rhinos’ 17-member squad that left for Johor yesterday.

Besides being boosted with the presence of Ijiebor, Sabah would also be strengthened by the return of Ahmad Tharmini Saiban for the clash.

The defender who has fully recovered from injury, is set to be back into the first team. However, Sabah will be without its first choice goalkeeper G. Jeevanatham as he was not among the travelling Rhinos.

So youngsters Irwan Jamil or Harold John will start the game, with Irwan likely to get the nod.

With the exception of the introduction of Ijiebor and Irwan likely to be the Rhinos’ last man, any other changes are unlikely.

“It is our hope to make it into the next round. Last season, we fumbled at the first round, but this time, we want to go beyond the quarter-finals,” said team manager Rahman Zakaria.

“All our players are available for the clash and in this sense we will be having our best squad for the clash.

“This is a do-or-die battle not only for us, but also for our opponents because there won’t be any second leg. So there is certainly no room for error and I can say that the team that makes lesser mistakes will win the game.

“However, I am confident the team will deliver as they have been training very hard during the break,” said Rahman.

Sabah booked their second round ticket after defeating Melaka 2-1 in the first round.

Six second round matches will be played tonight including the Johor FC-Sabah clash while another two matches – Shahzan Muda-Kuala Muda Naza and Johor PG-Kelantan – were played last night.

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Rhinos gunning for victory

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will be gunning for victory when they meet Johor FC in their FA Cup second round clash at J-Corp Stadium in Johor, Tuesday.

Manager Rahman Zakaria said the players are all raring to don their soccer boots and prove the 2-1 win over Malacca in the first round encounter at home recently was no fluke.

The win, he said has given a breath of confidence to the Rhino players to erase the bitter memory of being shown the exit in the first round last season.

"We are ready to face Johor FC and I hope we can move one step further to qualify for the FA Cup quarter-finals," he said when contacted on Monday.

The manager said he believes his charges would be able to deliver during the away game today (Tuesday).

He said based on the players' spirit and determination, the fans can hope to see good football forthcoming from his outfit that he described as being fit for any given match.

The Rhinos have won the FA Cup only once in the history of the decades-old tournament under the helm of coach Kelly Tham when they beat Pahang 3-1 in the finals in 1995.

"I hope our players will give 100 per cent to the game and I strongly believe they will be able to deliver," he said.

While Rahman declined to name the players for the Tuesday clash, it was learnt that Polish midfielder Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski or better known as "Eric" would most likely be axed from the team.

However, so far there hasn't been any hints from the state's football governing body, Sabah FA (Safa), to acquire a new foreign import.

The manager, who is an officer with the Road Transport Department (RTD), nevertheless, said the players are all ready to face Johor FC.

"Even though we cannot assess our opponent's strength and strategy, our team is not daunted.

"They are all set for the competition and will be playing to win," he said.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has changed the FA Cup format to a knockout system unlike the previous two leg system.

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Rhinos eager for revenge

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will not give in too easily to Police in the Premier League match at the Selayang MC Stadium on Friday night (tonight).

The Rhinos who were defeated 1-2 by the same team last weekend in the Malaysia Cup league match, aim to steal the limelight and all three points from the home team.

Sabah are currently placed tenth in the standings with seven points after one win, four draws and two defeats while Police have collected sixteen points and are placed second behind leaders UPB My Team who have seventeen points.

Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said the players were unanimous in their resolve to win the game in a big way.

"It will be an all out affair in the match tomorrow," he said, adding, nevertheless, despite the mission they are not, in any circumstances, pressured at all.

He said Police may be a strong team in the league but that would not deter the players from giving their best in the game.

Their strategy, Rahman said, is to score an early goal to build up the Rhinos confidence as the match progresses.

"Our opponents are a good team but that doesn't mean we are going to give up easily especially after losing to them at home last weekend," he added.

He said all departments, have been instructed to plug the holes and to ensure that they emerge as the winner.

Rahman revealed for example goalkeeper G. Jeevanathan has been told to forget about last week's match and to concentrate more on the match.

"He (Jeeva) had made a blunder while playing at home, and that is why he has to prove to everyone that he is capable of manning the posts and show everyone that he is the number one keeper for Sabah," he pointed out.

"Over the last few days, the players have undergone some gruelling training sessions under coach Drago (Mamic)," he said.

"Although there will be no changes in the line-up the strategy will be a bit different compared to the previous match against Police last weekend," he said.

Sabah's probable line-up: G. Jeevanathan, Burhan Ajui, Prince Eboagwu Etuew, Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Zainizam Marjan and Julamri Muhammad.

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Police edge Rhinos 2-1

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah failed to maintain their winning streak after losing 1-2 to Police in the Group C Malaysia Cup match here at the Likas Stadium on Saturday night.

The Rhinos started off aggressively against the visitors but failed to maintain their momentum leaving the Police to score the opening goal in the 10th minute through striker Bernard Sichangi Mwalala.

Sabah however managed to equalise after hitman Charles Obi scored the Rhinos' only goal in the 18th minute after connecting a pass from Zainizam Marjan from the inside box.

However, Police got the better side of the game, when Bernard Sichangi scored their winning goal in the 38th after Sabah goalkeeper G. Jeevanathan made a blunder. Instead of catching the ball, he kicked and it deflected in front of Bernard.

Jeev Awas then replaced by second keeper, Irwan Jamil right after the breather.

Earlier in the game, Zainizam had a chance to give Sabah the lead but his weak shot was saved by Police goalie Sani Anuar B. Kamsani.

In the 20th minute Obi wasted another opportunity when his powerful shot went inches over the bar.

Four minutes late, Zainizam again had another opportunity but his attempt was saved by Sani.

In the 40th minute, skipper Chow Chee Wing almost levelled the score but Police keeper Sani was on his toes to push the ball away.

After the breather, the Rhinos came out fighting and almost scored another goal through Zainizam but his attempt again was foiled by the keeper.

With only 13 minutes left to play, Sabah went all out to equalise with Obi and Ronny Harun leading the charge but the Police defence stood firm to ensure their trip to the Likas Stadium paid dividend.

Sabah's next return match will be on March 23 against Police in the Premier League tie.

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Rhinos out to prove critics wrong

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will be out to prove the critics wrong when they play host to Police in a Group C Malaysia Cup challenge here at the Likas Stadium tonight (Saturday).

The Rhinos who have suffered the agony of losing their lead in the dying minutes of almost every match they have played are out to show that they are a much improved side now.

Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said they will win the three crucial points when they take on the Police.

Sabah who are currently leading Group C with 10 points will be out to continue their unbeaten streak since the campaign started last month.

"I am optimistic about securing a win against Police," he said, adding, "we will be playing at home and that gives me and the team confidence to deliver."

"I just hope they would maintain their form and momentum of play as these are the main keys to success," Rahman added.

Over the last few days, the players have undergone some gruelling training sessions under coach Drago (Mamic), he said.

"Although there will be no changes in the line-up the strategy will be a bit different compared to the last match against Pahang last weekend, " he said.

He said since the team started winning matches, starting with Perak and Sarawak, all the players have shown strong commitment and that their morale is at a peak.

"All of them (players) are now more confident and eager to deliver all the points," he said, adding, "with attitudes like that there should be no problems when we enter the second round next week." "From now on I just hope the players will not be over confident," he added.

Sabah's probable line-up: Ronny Harun, Jeevanathan a/l Gunasekaran (GK), Sylvester Sindih, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Henry Parsi and Bobby Gonzales.

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Be more aggressive, says Rhinos manager

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah are looking forward to playing host to Johor PG in the Premier League match at the Likas Stadium on Tuesday.

The Rhinos who are currently in eighth spot with six points will not take things lightly considering the hurdle that they have to go through when they clash with Johor PG who are currently in third spot with nine points.

Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said the race for top spot is getting tighter, "We need to win our matches in order for us to be promoted to the Super League next season," he said, addingÉ "we need the points to keep pace."

"So far we are doing fine and we have been winning points but we need to be more aggressive in order to win more (points)," he said on Monday.

Since the league started we have only managed to collect six points from a win and three draws. We lost two matches," he added.

"But at this stage our position in the league does not really matter. What is important are the valuable three points and that we should start winning," he stressed.

Rahman said that for the match Tuesday he hopes his charges will play more aggressively and score early goals.

"Scoring an early goal should help us in maintaining the tempo of the game and stay defensive and try to create other chances to add an extra goal," he added.

"It would not be an easy game for us when we play against Johor PG but we will be giving our best and hopefully luck will be on our side tomorrow night," said Rahman.

"But whatever the situation we are in, I am upbeat that we will earn all three points from the match.

"We will win the crucial points no matter what it takes," he said, adding the reason is that "We have homeground advantage so it is impossible if we fail to win points."

"I have urged the Rhinos to play extra hard and showcase their true strengths.

"I want them (the players) to play like they played in the Malaysia Cup. All of them have showcased tremendous teamwork and individual performance," he added.

He said that coach Drago Mamic has prepared a plan and strategy for the team. He further added that, he hopes to see fans come and help cheer for the state squad.

"The fans full support will further boost the players morale and spirit," he added.

Sabah's probable line-up are: Ronny Harun, Jeevanathan A/L Gunasekaran (GK), Burhan Ajui, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Henry Parsi and Bobby Gonzales.

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