Video: Sabah 2006/07 Prince Ativie

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Kedah vs Sabah (Full Time)

Malaysia Cup Group B 15 July 2008

	Home	Score	Away
	Kedah	5-1	Sabah
		Scorer
7'	Marlon James	1-0
10'	Cornelius Huggins	2-0
		2-1	David Njuko	26'
34'	Marlon James	3-1
43'	Fadly Baharom	4-1
45'	Fadly Baharom	5-1
		Other Matches
	PDRM	0-0	Kuala Lumpur

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BATTLE FOR PRIDE

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah are out to salvage some lost pride when they take on reigning champions Kedah in their penultimate Malaysia Cup Group B challenge at the Darul Aman Stadium tonight.

At the same time, they are also determined to play the “spoiler role” after missing out on a place in the quarter-finals.

The 1-3 away defeat to Johor FC last Saturday ended Sabah’s quarter-final hopes. Rahman Zakaria said they will not make life easy for Kedah, who are pretty much in the race for a place in the quarters.

“We will continue to fight despite the fact that we have conceded defeat in our chase for a place in the last eight,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“We want to finish in a respectable position in the group.

“We don’t want to be at the bottom of the table and we will fight on,” Rahman vowed.

Sabah will go into the game fifth in the six-team table on seven points and are out of reach for one of the two top positions in the group with Police and Johor FC both on 14 points.

And with only 13 points the most they could collect, their hopes of securing the two best-ranked third placed teams is as good as over as other teams, with a game in hand, are certain to add to their points.

“We have to be realistic and the current situation does not favour us.

“All that is left with the team is to fight for our pride and not to finish last in the group. We will do our best in the two matches starting with Kedah,” he added.

Rahman hoped that the players can repeat the feat in their six-goal thriller in the first round meeting at the Likas Stadium where the tie ended three-all.

It was considered as the Rhinos’ best performance in the tournament.

Against the favourites, Sabah twice took the lead through Bobby Gonzales and striking partner David Njoku but Mohd Khyril Zambri equalised on both occasions.

There was more drama late in the game as the double sending offs of Hishamuddin Othman and Dragic Dalidor forced Sabah to play with nine men in the last 23 minutes.

With the numerical advantage, Kedah hitman Marlon James headed the defending champions into the lead. A goal and two men down, Sabah were destined for a home defeat, but Wong Sai Kong produced a moment of brilliance to level the score with a spectacular 40-metre dipping shot to eventually end the game in a draw.

But tonight, Sabah will have a depleted backline following the suspension of Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, who was given the marching orders in the last game.

Striker Salvester Sindeh is also out as he is facing a lengthy suspension after being involved in a fight in the 1-2 defeat to Kuala Lumpur.

The duo are not the only key players to miss the clash as Brazilian striker Andre Scotti Ossemer is still a doubtful starter due to injury and the same goes for Chow Chee Wing.

With at least five key players missing the trip, it looks like it is going to be a tall order for the team to snatch at least a point from the clash.

After the Kedah game, Sabah will conclude their Group B fixtures at home to Police on Aug 2.

The Malaysia Cup remains elusive for Sabah despite featuring in the 1996, 2002 and 2003 finals.

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EXIT FOR RHINOS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s quest for a place in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals has ended!

The 1-3 defeat to Johor FC on Saturday kills whatever slim hopes there may have been.

Now what is left for the team is to play for pride in their remaining fixtures against Kedah and Police in the Group B challenge.

The defeat sees Sabah languishing fifth in the group on seven points.

Even if they win their two remaining fixtures and collect 13 points, it will not be enough for them to finish among the two best third-placed teams.

Group leaders Police and second-placed Johor FC are tied on 14 points, while Kedah on 12 points, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 10 points, while Penang languish at the bottom of the six-team standings on three points.

In addition to that, Police, Johor FC and Kedah have a game in hand over the Rhinos.

Rahman Zakaria finally concedes defeat as far as their chase for a place in the quarter-finals is concerned.

“It’s the end of the road for Sabah,” the Rhinos’ team manager dejectedly admitted!

“Police, Johor FC and Kedah are too far ahead in the table and the race for the two best third-placed teams does not favour us as well.

In Group A, third and fourth placed Negeri Sembilan and Selangor have already collected 13 points.

Reigning Malaysia Cup champions Kedah of Group B and Perak of Group C, both on 12 points with a game in hand, are likely to add to their points.

“We have to face the fact that we are out of the competition and to go out in the group stages makes it even worse for the team.

“Sabah have a reputation of being one of the toughest teams in Malaysia Cup and last year we made it to semi-finals … we are very disappointed and frustrated,” he added.

On Saturday, Sabah needed a victory to keep their quarter-final dream alive but found themselves trailing 0-2 in the first half.

After Khairu Kiman had put Johor FC in front in the 20th minute, Sabah were made to pay for some sloppy defending in the dying minutes of the opening half.

Mohd Azuwad Arip ran into the box and beat the offside trap, and he easily rounded goalkeeper Irwan Jamil to put the homesters 2-0 ahead.

Midway into the second half, the teams were reduced to 10 men, when Sabah defender Ahmad Tharmini Saiban and a Johor FC player got involved in a scuffle.

Despite that, Sabah reduced the deficit through Bobby Gonzales, a second-half substitute for Zainizam Marjan, when he burst into the opponents’ penalty box before firing low to beat Mohd Anis Faron in the 81st minute.

Sabah pushed forward to find the equaliser but left room at the back, which Johor FC took full advantage of.

A lightning quick attack set up a simple tap-in for Syaiful Sabtu to cement a 3-1 victory in injury time.

“It was just not our night but I’m still proud of the players who gave their all and fought hard in the past few matches even though the team were staring at the exit door,” he said.

Rahman also said the decision to call for a re-match against Kuala Lumpur was to serve as an eye-opener for referees to improve their performance.

“We are not doing it for our quarter-final quest but with the priority to lift the standard of refereeing.

“Let’s wait until after the FA of Malaysia has their meeting on Monday (July 14),” he said.

In the match at the Likas Stadium, Sabah lost 1-2, but the referee’s blunder in failing to notice Kuala Lumpur playing with 11 men despite a sending off irked the Sabah FA officials.

Sabah will next face Kedah at the Darul Aman Stadium on July 15, before completing their Group B fixture at home to Police on Aug 2.

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Top Scorer (Top 10 Import)

#	Name	Year Active	Goals
1	Scott Ollerenshaw	1994-1997	106
2	Josiah Seton	2002-2004	38
3	Julio Cesar	2005-2006	32
4	Milomir Seslija	1993-1997	31
5	Charles Obi	2006-2007	26
6	Keith Gumbs	2003-2004	21
7	Robert Gaspar	2003-2004	15
8	Andre Scotti	2008	13
9	Saphou Lassy	1998	12
10	Vaseli Kovasevic	1996-1999	11

last updated:12 july 08

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Top Scorer (Top10 Local)

#	Name	Year Active	Goals
1	Matlan Marjan	1989-1995	57
2	Suharmin Yusuf	1996-2002	51
3	Zainizam Marjan	2000-Present	41
4	Jaya Kassim	1996-2000	28
5	Shahrin Majid	2001-2002	24
6	Harun Laban	1993-1999	21
7	Bobby Gonzales	2003-Present	20
8	Henry Soimpon	1998-2005	19
9	Sylvester Sindeh	2006-Present	17
10	K.Sanbagamaran	2001-2004	16

last updated:12 july ,


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Johor vs Sabah (Full Time)

Malaysia Cup Group B 3 July 2008

	Home	Score	Away
	Johor FC	3-1	Sabah
		Scorer
20'	Khairu	1-0
47'	Azuwad	2-0
		2-1	Bobby	81'
90'	Syaiful	3-1
		Other Matches
	Pulau Pinang	1-3	PDRM
	Kuala Lumpur	1-4	Kedah

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VICTORY THE ONLY OPTION

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, who are walking on a tight rope to qualify for a place in the last eight of the Malaysia Cup, are on a do-or-die mission when they take on Johor FC in a Group B clash at the Jcorp Stadium in Pasir Gudang tonight. Only a victory will keep their slim hopes alive.

For this reason, Rahman Zakaria reminded his charges to put aside their recent disappointment against Kuala Lumpur – a match that was full of drama, controversy and blunders. It was the 1-2 defeat against Kuala Lumpur that put a dent in Sabah’s quarterfinal hopes. Rahman hopes the team will be at their best against Johor FC.

“No matter what the team’s position is and what had happened previously, our aim is to try to win the game,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“It is part and parcel of the game and I want the players to concentrate and not let other events distract them. “A victory will be important to improve our record in the group but even so, we may not know what will transpire after the game. Now it is important for us to do our part and not to worry about whether we will make it. “Football is a funny old game and anything can still happen. Furthermore, there are another three games to play including against Johor FC,” he said.

Rahman also expressed his concern on fatigue where the traveling and tight schedule have affected the players. Rahman also said that missing several key players is hampering the team’s campaign.

According to him, striker Salvester Sindeh is suspended, while Zuraindey Jumai only added to the growing list of injured players in the squad. “I hope those who are injured will recover quickly. A lot can happen in three matches and we must take the chances, but anyway we will take one game at a time,” he added.

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Overall Top scorers (20 Goals Above)

#	Name	Year Active	Goals
1	Scott Ollerenshaw	1994-1997	106
2	Matlan Marjan	1989-1995	57
3	Suharmin Yusuf	1996-2002	51
4	Zainizam Marjan	2000-Present	42
5	Josiah Seton	2002-2004	38
6	Julio Cesar	2005-2006	32
7	Milomir Seslija	1993-1997	31
8	Jaya Kassim	1996-2000	28
9	Charles Obi	2006-2007	26
10	Shahrin Majid	2001-2002	24
11	Harun Laban	1993-1999	21
12	Keith Gumbs	2003-2004	21
13	Bobby Gonzales	2003-2008	20

last updated:9 jan 09 ,


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RHINOS WANT REMATCH

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will lodge an official protest and would insist on a rematch against Kuala Lumpur in the Malaysia Cup Group B challenge.

Rahman Zakaria said they will write to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) pertaining to the matter sooner rather than later.

The Rhinos’ team manager who was clearly upset, furious and disappointed with the whole incident, blamed the match official – Abu Bakar Mohd’s – failure in handling the tie professionally for the fracas – that was won 2-1 by the visiting Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

“So many unusual incidents took place on the field and we have strong grounds to make an appeal (for a rematch),” said Rahman.

“It’s not that we cannot accept defeat, but this is not the way,” he added.

The match turned ugly in the 75th minute when Sabah’s striker David Njoku was involved in a commotion with the Kuala Lumpur players, and the lanky Nigerian was alleged to have been slapped by a Kuala Lumpur player.

More and more players from both sides were getting involved and things got worse minutes later.

Sabah’s Salvester Sindeh was the first to have been shown the red card before Kuala Lumpur’s goalkeeper Mohd Shafiz faced a similiar fate seconds later.

The match official’s failure to handle the match professionally could have turned the night into a free-for-all.

Fortunately, the fight only involved Salvester and Kuala Lumpur’s Hasnol Hamzah who should have been sent off as well, but the latter was left unpunished.

To make it worse for Abu Bakar, he even allowed Kuala Lumpur to play with 11 men despite already sending off Mohd Shahfiz.

“We admit we were trailing 2-1 due to the fault of our players until the 73rd minute, but after that nothing went right on the part of the match official,” said Rahman.

“He just failed to control the emotions of the players and that prompted the whole incident to take place.

The referee only realised his blunder after about 10 minutes after being informed by the fourth official following a protest by Sabah.

However, it was too late as the match had entered into five minutes of injury time.

Mohd Shuhaimi (No 17) was supposed to be replaced by Saiful, but when the match resumed he was still seen on the field.

Rahman said that to give five minutes of additional time was also unfair as the match was stopped for more than 10 minutes.

“I hope the FAM will seriously look into our request or complaint,” he said.

On Mohd Salawi Jasad’s blunder that gifted Kuala Lumpur an equaliser, Rahman said this will be his (Mohd Salawi) nightmare and hopes it will be a lesson for the youngster.

Sabah took the lead in the 57th minute through Zainizam Marjan’s header off a cross by Salvester Sindeh only for Yong Kuong Yong to equalise for Kuala Lumpur a minute later after capitalising on a blunder by Mohd Salawi.

Yong then put Kuala Lumpur into the lead in the 73rd minute after slotting home from close range after defeating Irwan Jamil.

And Rahman refused to put the blamed solely on Mohd Salawi, adding that the whole squad should share the blame.

Sabah could have sealed the game in the first half, but were denied by poor finishing.

With the defeat, if it stays, Sabah are walking on a tightrope in their quest for a place in the quarter-finals. Sabah’s next game is an away date with Johor FC on June 12.

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FIGOS BORNEO FOOTBALL CUP

DIRECTOR
Andy Paschaidis
Scott Ollerenshaw (Sabah 94-97)(106Goals)

VENUE:
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo)

DATE:
27th September 2008 til 31st October 2008

AGE GROUPS:
Under 12s,14s,16s,18s, Mens/Womans Open & Borneo 7s (over 40s)

TEAM CATEGORY:
Any Amateur Teams

TOURNAMENT VENUE:
Likas Stadium & Penampang Stadium, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo)

For Futher Informatin visit the website

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A NIGHT OF DRAMA

KOTA KINABALU: It was a night full of drama and controversy at the Likas Stadium!

And it looks like the Rhinos are heading towards the exit in the Malaysia Cup challenge. This is thanks to its young custodian, Mohd Salawi Jasad, who threw away with what could have been a certain victory for the home side.

The fault also lies on the referee, Abu Bakar Mohd Noor, whose failure to handle the game almost triggered a free-for-all between both sides.

It was fortunate that only one or two players were involved in the match which ended in Kuala Lumpur’s favour who walked away with a 2-1 victory–no thank you to a gifted goal by Mohd Salawi.

While the game was not at its highest level, one cannot deny that the standard of refereeing was certainly at its lowest ebb as Abu Bakar’s poor decisions just made the whole affair even worst.

Both sides ended their night with a man less as Sabah’s Salvester Sindeh and Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Mohd Shahfiz Amri Zaini were deservedly given the marching orders in the 75th minute after being involved in a commotion.

But it was after the ref who flashed the red card on Salvester which begun the unwanted incident.

It came about as Salvester was seen walking off the field and a Kuala Lumpur player, Hasnol Hamzah, was seen to provoke the Rhinos’ striker and that was when the fight started. Salvester was seen kicking and was trying to punch the player (Hasnol) who later ran to towards the bench for his safety.

The whole incident which lasted for a full 10 minutes, started with Sabah’s Nigerian striker David Njoku who was allegedly slapped by a Kuala Lumpur player and that player went unpunished.

As for Mohd Shahfiz, he was punished for pushing Salvester from behind and was later involved in a commotion before running towards the bench.

The controversy did not end there as a blunder by Abu Bakar allowed Kuala Lumpur to play with 11-men despite having their keeper sent off. It was only after about 10 minutes that the referee realised his mistake after being alerted by a fourth official Abdul Harun Osman!

But by then it was already too late, as Kuala Lumpur only played with 10 men in the dying seconds of the game.

It was certainly not a night to remember for Mohd Salawi, who had a good game in the Rhinos 1-0 victory over Penang in their last game.

What was seen as a time-wasting tactic by the youngster saw him gifted Kuala Lumpur with an equaliser in the 58th minute when Yong Kuong Yong stole the ball from his (Salawi) feet before slotting home into an empty net.

The incident saw Salawi, who was shocked by the blunder, was seen to feign injury and was subsequently being replaced Irwan Jamil.

A minute earlier, Zainizam had put the Rhinos in the lead with a header of a cross by Salvester. Yong was on target again in the 73rd minute after finishing off his second goal from close range.

In fact the home side could have sealed the match in the first half but was denied by poor finishing with Bobby Gonzales who was one of the culprits, by missing two sitters. The first being in the 18th minute when he poked the ball from close range that went wide. Then in the 27th minute, he squandered another opportunity when he failed to finish off a Mohd Radzi Hussin cross after his attempt from the six yard box went above the bar.

Dragic Dalibor, who was certainly the man of the match for the Rhinos, saw his header go inches above the bar while Salvester Sindeh’s effort also went wide.

David also saw his shot from just outside the box went inches above the cross bar.

Wong Sai Kong, Zainizam Marjan, and David as well as Dragic all shots at the Kuala Lumpur goalmouth, but the much needed equaliser never did materialise as their attempt either went wide or was saved by Mohd Shahfiz’s replacement Saiful Amar.

On the night the Salawi blunder was just unacceptable for many, as it was all Sabah affair before the unfortunate incident.

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Sabah vs KL (Full Time)

Malaysia Cup Group B 09 July 2008

	Home	Score	Away
	Sabah	1-2	Kuala Lumpur
		Scorer
57'	Zainizam	1-0
		1-1	Yong	59'
		1-2	Yong	73'

Sabah Lines-up

Mohd Salawi Jasad(Irwan Jamil), Munir Amran, Dragic Dalibor, Wong Sai Kong, Eddie Gapil, Zuraindey Jumai(Radzi Husin), Hishamuddin Othman, Zainizam Marjan, David Njuko, Bobby Gonzales(Andre Scotti), Sylvester Sindeh

Yellow Card: Munir Amran, Eddie Gapil, Dragic Dalibor
Red Card: Sylvester Sindeh
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UNFAIR!

KOTA KINABALU: Is the ongoing Malaysia Cup being played fairly?

The answer (is) as far as Sabah Chief Coach Drago Mamic is concerned a definite NO!

“How can it be fair when certain teams are allowed to postpone their matches and some not,” Drago questioned.

The Croatian was fuming when he heard of the postponement of two matches involving the Group B teams – Kedah vs Penang and Johor FC vs Police.

He sees the postponement as something irregular in the football world, especially in a competition like the Malaysia Cup.

“This (postponement) is ridiculous! I have never seen this, because if you are talking about fairness to all the teams, all matches must be played on schedule without any postponement.

“If in any case the organiser decides to make any changes on the request of any particular team, the decision must reflect on fair play.

“The way the competition is being handled, I don’t see any fair play or fairness at all.

“For instance, in our case, they could have postponed all matches involving the group.

“Now our opponents are having more time to recover, while we have to go down to the battlefield with less time to recover from the hectic schedule.

“Furthermore, if we look at the standings, it is only fair for each and every of the teams in our group to be given equal treatment because I think the fight for a place in the quarter-finals is still very much open to all the teams.

“And if there is any team that wishes to ask for any postponement, Sabah should be the one as we have more reasons to ask for it because we spend more time on traveling than any of the other teams in the group,” Drago said.

Sabah take on Kuala Lumpur at the Likas Stadium tonight, while Kedah, Penang, Johor FC and Police are having a day off until the next scheduled matches, slated for July 12.

The postponed matches are expected to be played later this month.

On a positive note, Drago was delighted to see that the team have progressed tremendously of late.

He said that the team have shown superb performances in their last few games.

“The team have started to show their true colours. Against Penang, we were playing like a European outfit. We created chance after chance but we were just unfortunate to score only once.

“The team’s movement on the field was superb and I’m not surprised that even the home (Penang) fans applauded them (Sabah),” he said.

“So now I’m very much looking forward to the Kuala Lumpur clash.

“But as much as I want to win the game and wanting the team to maintain their superb form, but we have to see how the team react to the fatigue of having to play six games in 16 days.

“Playing six matches in 16 days is a terrible experience for any club. Even a car cannot move without gas … what more to say a human being, who certainly needs time to recover from all this fatigue.

“Nevertheless, I’m so proud to see the team being able to play at the highest level.

Drago hopes the team will continue to play superb football with the greatest fighting spirit, commitment and dedication.

“It is important for the team to maintain the way they have been playing. We must keep up the quality of our game.

Tonight, Drago hinted that he is likely to stick to his winning side that notched a 1-0 victory over Penang.

With the exception of defender Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, the rest of the players are likely to be retained.

Tharmini will miss the Kuala Lumpur clash after receiving his third yellow card and would serve an automatic one-match suspension.

Drago said he will stick to rookie custodian – the young Mohd Salawi Jasad as his ball stopper – with Dragic Dalibor, Mohd Munir Amran, Wong Sai Kong and Hishamuddin Othman at the Rhinos’ backline.

In midfield, Eddy Gapil, Zuraindey Jumai and either Chow Chee Wing or Zainizam Marjan will get the nod, while David Njoku, Salvester Sindeh and Bobby Gonzales will all see action as Drago plots an all-out attacking game.

“I’m still unsure whether Zainizam or Chow will be fit for the clash. I have to wait and see. I rested both of them in our last game. They have been playing superb, but the hectic fixture schedule is taking its toll on them because they do a lot of sprints during matches.

“I’m also without Mohd Nafuzi because he is having inflammation on his tendon (ankle), but I think I will still put him in the squad for the clash,” added Drago.

The rest of the players still in the crocked list are Rosdin Wasli, Andre Scotti Ossemer, Henry Parsi, and Hardy Charles Parsi.

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Win gives Rhinos a fighting chance

KOTA KINABALU: The slim victory over Penang on Sunday helps Sabah to continue their journey in their quest for Malaysia Cup glory.

The win has eventually given the Rhinos new hope as now their fate (in the competition) is in their own hands. Winning their remaining matches would certainly see them progress into the quarter-finals.

And it is important for the team to maintain their winning momentum, as anything less than maximum points would surely put a dent on their hopes of at least repeating their semi-final feat last time out.

Sabah are not the only team in a do-or-die mission for the rest of the group matches, as even group leaders Police, second placed Johor FC and third placed reigning champions Kedah are facing a similar task of needing to win their matches.

The current scenario in the group is “winner takes all” as even Kuala Lumpur still have an equal chance of grabbing the two top spots, while bottom of the table Penang still have an outside chance of making it into the next round.

Sabah are currently fourth in the standings on seven points – four points behind Police and Johor FC, while Kedah are two points ahead of them.

While Kuala Lumpur are level on points with Sabah, they are fifth as Sabah have a better goal average.

Penang languish at the bottom on four points.

Team manager Rahman Zakaria was delighted to see his charges chalk up the all-important victory.

However, he was quick to caution the players not to get over excited, saying that they just could not afford to be in the comfort zone.

“It is very important for the team not to lose focus. We are now in a better position than previously, and I hope the players will not waste this opportunity,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“I also hope the players will continue to soldier on as the competition is getting tougher and what I can see is only teams that can maintain their winning momentum would earn the two automatic berths from the group,” he added.

In the game against Penang, second-half substitute Salvester Sindeh, who came in to replace fellow striker Bobby Gonzales, turned hero once again for the Rhinos as he notched the solitary goal of the night 10 minutes from time.

“It was another spirited performance from the team, and I’m so flattered with the whole squad for the effort and fighting spirit they have shown in our last few games,” said Rahman.

“It was a tough game, and even with a depleted side, we still produced the result,” he added.

Sabah started the game without striker Andre Scotti Ossemer, Chow Chee Wing as well as Mohd Nafuzi Zain, all due to injury.

And the Rhinos’ chief coach Drago Mamic took a gamble by fielding his young and third choice goalkeeper Mohd Salawi Jasad.

And the Croatian must be relieved to see the Rhinos finally manage to keep a clean sheet for the first time after six games where they conceded 14 goals in five games prior to the clash.

The clash also saw the return of lanky defender Mohd Munir Amran into the first team as Drago started the game with Munir, Dragic Dalibor, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban and Wong Sai Kong at the Rhinos’ backline, while Eddie Gapil and Zuraindey Jumai were at the heart of the Rhinos’ midfield with Mohd Radzi Hussin and Hishamuddin Othman at the right and left flanks respectively with David Njoku and Bobby spearheading the attack.

In the second half, Bobby made way for Salvester, while Azrul Ejati Damsal came in for Radzi, and Mohd Farid Saibun replaced Eddie Gapil.

Sabah’s next game is at home to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

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P.Pinang vs Sabah (Full Time)

Malaysia Cup Group B 3 July 2008

	Home	Score	Away
	P. Pinang	0-1	Sabah
		Scorer
		0-1	Sylvester	80'
		Other Matches
	PDRM	1-3	Kedah
	Kuala Lumpur	1-4	Johor FC

Sabah Lines-up

Mohd Salawi Jasad,Munir Amran, Dragic Dalibor, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Wong Sai Kong, Eddie Gapil(Mohd Farid Saibun), Zuraindey Jumai, Mohd Radzi Hussin(Azrul Ejati Damsah), Hishamuddin Othman, David Njuko, Bobby Gonzales(Sylvester Sindeh)

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NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos have been urged to stay positive and continue fighting for a place in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.

While on paper, things look gloomy for the Rhinos, but Rahman Zakaria refuses to throw in the towel just yet. He said they will not give up easily no matter how slim their chances are.

Furthermore, he pointed out there are another five matches to play in the second round, and as long as the team take their chances well, there is always room for them to make it into the last eight.

So now, he added, it is important for the team to be positive and take those chances in front of them.

“I still believe we do have a fighting chance to make it through into the next round,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“Even though we are not in a good position in the standings, but when you look (at the standings) we are only four points behind second placed Johor FC. And that is not a big gap,” he added.

“I got to admit that this is going to be a tough, tough task for the boys, but I believe they have what it takes to do it.

“They have been marvelous in the last few matches, and to continue playing the way they did in those matches, I’m very sure, we will get the results.

Sabah take on Penang in the Group B second round opener away at the City Stadium tonight, and Rahman is aware that they need nothing but VICTORY in the game in order to keep their hopes alive.

“We must go into the battlefield with the heart to win. We have to have the belief that nothing is impossible.

Rahman said that a win would surely boost their chances and it could also be the turning point for the team to march into the next round.

“After this clash (against Penang), we will take on Kuala Lumpur at home, and if we win these two matches, I think it will be a positive step for the team.

Tonight, the Rhinos will welcome back the suspended duo of defender Dragic Dalibor and flanker Hishamuddin Othman.

Andre Scotti Ossemer, who is recovering from a groin injury, is also there for options.

But David Njoku, who scored a double in the 4-3 defeat to Police, will certainly start the game.

The hardworking Nigerian will likely start the game with Salvester Sindeh in attack with both Bobby Gonzales and Andre expected to start from the bench.

The Rhinos’ head coach Drago Mamic must be a relieved man to see Dragic back in the team where he will shoulder the responsibility with the reliable Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, while Wong Sai Kong is another defender available for the team.

Hishamuddin is also expected to see first-team action on the left flank, while Chow Chee Wing on the right with Mohd Nafuzi Zain, Zainizam Marjan and Zuraindey Jumai at the heart of the Rhinos’ midfield.

And Drago will have to tinker who to play as the Rhinos’ ball stopper with youngster Mohd Salawi Jasad likely to get the nod ahead of his two seniors Irwan Jamil and Harold John, who had conceded a total of 14 goals between them in the first round.

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PDRM vs Sabah (full time)

Malaysia Cup Group B 3 July 2008

	Home	Score	Away
	PDRM	4-3	Sabah
		Scorer
13'	Afif	1-0
		1-1	Sylvester	26'
		1-2	David	38'
49'	Nizaruddin	2-2
		2-3	David	51'
61'	Hilary	3-3
70'	Nizaruddin	4-3
		Other Matches
	Pulau Pinang	1-1	Kuala Lumpur
	Johor FC	1-1	Kedah

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RHINOS BANKING ON ‘WARRIOR SPIRIT’

KOTA KINABALU: Rahman Zakaria hopes the Rhinos’ “warrior” spirit will help them tackle Police and eventually put the latter’s fine run to a halt when they meet in a Malaysia Cup Group B tie at the MP Selayang Stadium tonight!

The Rhinos’ team manager said if the players are able to put up a performance like they did against Kedah, it is not impossible for the team to walk home as victors.

However, Rahman admitted this is not going to be an easy outing for the Rhinos, especially when they have a depleted side while Police are on a high.

“This is going to be another tough match for us, but I have faith in the team to deliver the desired result, especially after what they have shown against Kedah,” said Rahman.

“If the players are able to show the same kind of spirit, determination and commitment, I firmly believe we can pick up points from the game.

“And I’m glad to note that spirit in the team is pretty high and we are certainly banking on the “warrior” spirit that has been shown by the players in our last two games, especially against Kedah,” said Rahman.

“I hope in this game, the players will continue with their “fighting spirit” in search for the much needed victory,” he added.

For the record, both teams will go into the game on a high after their impressive outings on Monday.

Sabah, despite being reduced to nine men, displayed strong will in holding reigning champions Kedah in a six-goal thriller, while Police thrashed Kuala Lumpur 7-0.

But Sabah will have the extra reason to win the game, as only victory would see them remain in contention for a place in the quarter-finals, while on the other hand, Police will be looking at strengthening their grip on pole position in the group.

Sabah are currently fifth in the standings on four points, while Police stay on top with eight.

And a victory would certainly enhance Sabah’s chances of making it into the next stage having collected four out of a possible six points in their last two matches.

However, Sabah will have to be wary of the free-scoring Cops as the Rhinos will be without hard-tackling defender Dragic Dalidor after he was sent off against Kedah.

Joining Dalidor on the sidelines will be Hishamuddin Othman who was also shown the red card in the same match.

Skipper Rosdin Wasli is also out, while Brazilian striker Andre Scotti Ossemer, who despite making the trip to the national capital remains a doubtful starter.

The Rhinos’ head coach Drago Mamic would need to tinker to find a replacement for his key defender Dragic.

Drago said he might even play striker Salvester Sindeh, who would return from a one-match suspension, at the backline together with Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, who has been excellent in the last couple of games.

Drago’s other option is to bring in either Mohd Munir Amran or Hardy Charles Parsi back into the starting line-up.

Wong Sai Kong, who scored a stunning equaliser in his last outing, will be there as well while Eddie Gapil is likely to come in for the suspended Hishamuddin, with Zainizam Marjan, Mohd Nafuzi Zain and Chow Chee Wing looking certain to be in the first team.

Bobby Gonzales and David Njoku, who scored a goal each against Kedah, will again spearhead the Rhinos’ attack unless Andre is fit, where Bobby would start from the bench.

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TOUGH TASK FOR RHINOS

KOTA KINABALU: Rahman Zakaria wants the Rhinos to maintain their momentum in their quest for Malaysia Cup glory.

Despite knowing very well that there is a bumpy road ahead for the Rhinos, he believes there is still an open chance for the team to earn a place in the quarter-finals.

The Rhinos’ team manager admitted that it will remain “win or bust” for them.

He then predicted that the fight for a place in the last eight in the group will definitely go down to the wire.

“This is a very tough group and I don’t think any team can say they have the upper hand over any of the others. Based on the current situation, we can say that only teams that can show consistency will earn a place in the next round.

“On our part, it will be a hell of a job to be among the quarter-finalists. But the players showed in the last two games that they are not about to throw in the towel just yet.

“They showed how serious they are in wanting to do well and make amends for the disappointing Premier League campaign.

“It was just unfortunate that we had a bad start … losing our first two games in the tournament, but I think the two defeats may be a blessing in disguise for the team, as the team seem to have regained their true potential.

“We had quite a good game against Johor FC (Sabah winning 2-1) and against Kedah, I cannot find fault with any of the players, especially with the way they fought their hearts out.

“I cannot pick which one of them contributed the most to the team, as in my eyes, all of them have done their utmost best and deserve to be given a pat on the back.

“To continue with this kind of fighting spirit, commitment and dedication and most importantly playing as a team, I’m very sure no matter how hard or difficult the obstacle is ahead (of the team), we will be able to overcome it.

“I’m really proud with the way the team fought their hearts out against Kedah and I’m sure the fans also felt the same way. And I must thank those diehard fans for rallying behind the team and I hope they will continue giving their support in our remaining matches.”

The Rhinos certainly deserve praises for the way they played and fought in the game.

It can be dubbed as their best ever game at home and if not for the “bad refereeing” three points could have been in their bag.

The double sending off of Dragic Dalibor and Hishamuddin Othman denied Sabah of what was seen as a possible victory.

But having to play with two men lesser in the last 25 minutes or so was too much for Sabah as it was after the sending off of Dragic and Hishamuddin that Kedah took the lead when the scoreline was level at two-all.

Marlon Alex James made the scoreline 3-2 in favour of the visiting Kedah four minutes after the expulsion of Dragic and Hishamuddin.

But a spectacular dipping shot from about 40 metres by defender Wong Sai Kong earned the well deserved point for Sabah.

Before the sending off Sabah were the better side and this was proven as they twice took the lead with Bobby Gonzales slotting home the opener after 18 minutes of play, before Mohd Khyril Muyhmeen equalised with his 37th minute effort.

Nigerian striker David Njoku restored Sabah’s lead in the first half injury time with a fine finish, but Mohd Khyril put the scoreline on level terms when he scored his second five minutes after the break before Marlon put his side into the lead for the first time when Sabah played with nine men.

Sabah will leave for the national capital today and will take on Police the following day.

After the Police date, they will continue their trip to Penang to start the second round of the campaign before returning home.

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