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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Sabah, Kedah share points

KOTA KINABALU: Nine-man Sabah fought their hearts out to deservedly share the spoils with reigning champions Kedah in an explosive Malaysia Cup Group B encounter that ended three-all at the Likas Stadium last night.

Defender Wong Sai Kong turned hero when his spectacular dipping shot from about 40 metres salvaged the valuable one point for the home side.

The Rhinos were forced to play with two men lesser in the remaining 23 minutes of the game following the double sending off of Dragic Dalibor and flanker Hishamuddin Othman.

The referee Ibrahim Muhamad may have been right in showing Hishamuddin with his second yellow card for what was seen as retaliation after he was fouled by Nelson Sam Martin, who was also given a yellow card.

But in Dragic’s case, the Bosnia-Herzegovina defender was controversially given the marching orders as he certainly did not deserve the second booking for what seemed to be his protesting against the referee’s decision.

The fact is, he was not the only player protesting or rather complaining and this was one of the many bad calls made by the man in black.

For the record, both Dragic and Hishamuddin were given the first yellow cards earlier in the first half.

Sabah started the game aggressively, but it was Kedah who had the first try in the match when Mohd Khyril Muhymeen found space inside the box before unleashing a shot at the Sabah goalmouth, but Irwan Jamil was alert to block the latter’s close range 3rd minute attempt.

Sabah’s first chance came in the 8th minute through Nigerian David Njoku, who shot straight at the keeper Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias.

Sabah deservedly took the lead after 18th minutes through Bobby Gonzales who coolly unleashed a grounder from just outside the penalty box that defeated Mohd Helmi.

In the 34th minute, Kedah could have equalised when Marlon James fed the unmarked Mohd Khyril inside the Sabah box, but Hishamuddin’s saved the day for Sabah as he sneaked from behind and cleared the ball before Mohd Khyril could take a shot at the Sabah goalmouth.

But Kedah were not to be denied an equaliser in the 37th minute when this time Mohd Khyril was there to easily tap in the ball past the hapless Irwan after receiving a cross from Badrol Bakhtiar from the left.

Sabah were presented the opportunity to restore their lead in the 40th minute when Zainizam Marjan fed David with a superb through ball.

However, the Nigerian youngster, despite only having the keeper to beat squandered the golden chance as his attempt went wide.

However, David made amends five minutes later as he finally put his name on the score sheet when he slotted home Sabah’s second from inside the box, but this time it was Wong Sai Kong the provider, to eventually end the half with Sabah leading 2-1.

After the breather, Sabah were stunned again when Mohd Khyril netted his second with a bicycle kick five minutes into the second half.

And in the 67th minute things looked gloomy for Sabah when they were slapped with a double sending off of Dragic and Hishamuddin.

The worst was expected when Marlon finally put the defending champions into the lead for the first time with his 71st minute header.

Salutes must be given to the remaining nine Rhinos as they fought their hearts out and their never-say-die attitude paid off when Wong Sai Kong put them on level terms in the 74th minute with a dipping shot that caught Mohd Helmi off guard.

With the draw, Sabah moved from the bottom to fifth in the six-team standings as Penang went down 1-3 to Johor FC in another Group B tie.

Police toppled Kuala Lumpur from the top spot after thrashing the latter 7-0 at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras. Sabah’s next game is an away tie against the high riding Police on Thursday.

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