INJURY-TIME BLUES

KOTA KINABALU: Rahman Zakaria yesterday put the blame on the man in black for Sabah’s failure to collect all the three points in their clash against the Harimau Muda on Monday.

The Rhinos’ team manager said that if not for the referee’s poor handling of the match, the Rhinos could have returned home with full points.

“There was no need for the referee to extend the match as the fourth match official had signaled three minutes of injury time.

Rahman said the referee should have blown the final whistle when Sabah’s Mohd Munir Amran and Chow Chee Weng were being treated for injuries.

“They were treated for around one minute and by then the match should have ended. Instead, the referee added another four to five minutes after that and that was when the equaliser was scored,” lamented Rahman.

A controversial late goal forced Sabah to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Harimau Muda (National Under-19) in the Premier League match played at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The Rhinos were only seconds away from collecting all three points having held onto Bobby Gonzales’ 23rd minute strike, which was his sixth of the season.

But, the Young Tigers had the last laugh when Yusaini Hafiz took advantage of the added time from the original three minutes injury time to score the equaliser.

To add injury to insult, the equaliser came from nowhere as Yusaini somehow found the back of the net from an impossible angle.

“I don’t know why this thing happened to Sabah and it is not the first time. I’m not saying he (referee) is being biased towards the opponents … but I think he just does not know how to deal with his tasks on the field.

Rahman said the referee’s action would only dampen football development in the country.

According to Rahman this is not the first time this season that this has happened.

The late drama also foiled Sabah’s hope of stretching their winning run, having won in their four previous outings prior to Monday’s game against the juniors, whom they beat 2-0 four days earlier.

Nevertheless, Rahman refused to put the blame on his charges saying: “I have no complaints on the performance of our players. They played their best and tried very hard … there were many scoring chances but the players missed.

“It was just not our night I guess and the referee was the main culprit and we are not satisfied,” he said.

Following the draw, Sabah swapped places with current fourth placed Kelantan who thrashed league leaders KL Plus FC 5-2.

Fifth placed Sabah have 24 points, while KL Plus FC remain on top on 31 points despite the defeat.

Johor Pasir Gudang are one point behind the leaders on 30 points thanks to their 3-0 win over PKNS Selangor, with Kuala Muda retaining their third position despite not playing on Monday, followed by Kelantan on 25 points.

Sabah will not play their next match until March 10 where they face Melaka at the Hang Tuah Stadium.

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DAVID vs GOLIATH

KOTA KINABALU: If their first round encounter is anything to go by, then the Sabah vs National Under-19 (Harimau Muda) clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight will be like ‘David versus Goliath’.

In the final game of the first round last Friday, the Rhinos chalked up an easy 2-0 victory over their rather inexperienced opponents.

Tonight will be their second meeting in the space of four days as the second round challenge resumes without any break, even at a time when the country is currently holding its general election.

Despite having won the first encounter with ease, Rahman Zakaria said they will not take any chances as he believes that the young national side has what it takes to hurt them.

“We will not take them lightly and that is for sure. Even though we did not have any trouble in scoring (against them) but the ball is round and anything can happen.

“They are a young side and have lots of energy to burn. They can run for the 90 minutes and we must be aware that they have been given international exposure.

“So we have to be at our best to repeat our winning feat over them,” said Rahman.

Last Friday, the Rhinos registered their fourth consecutive victory and Rahman is convinced they should be able to extend it to five in a row.

“As long as we play our own game, I’m sure we can get a positive result from this match. But since this will be an away fixture, so it would not be an easy game. However, victory is certainly within our reach,” he added.

Rahman hinted that the Rhinos’ head coach Drago Mamic is unlikely to make any changes to his winning side with Brazilian striker Andre Scotti Ossemer and Bobby Gonzales expected to spearhead the Rhinos’ attack together with Englishman Jamie Phoenix – who was impressive in the win over the Harimau Muda.

In midfield, Mohd Nafuzi Zain, Zuraindey Jumai, Wong Sai Kong and Zulamri Muhamad are likely to be maintained and the same goes for Dragic Dalibor, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban and Mohd Munir Amran, who will be the driving force at the back with the young Irwan Jamil, the last man of the team.

After the completion of the first round, the Rhinos occupy fourth placing in the standings on 23 points, eight points behind League leaders KL Plus FC.

Johor Pasir Gudang are second with a better goal difference than third placed Kuala Muda Naza. Both teams are level on 27 points. Kelantan are fifth on 22 points, but they have a game in hand as their first round fixture against PKNS Selangor was postponed.

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RAHMAN: STAY FOCUSED

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos have been reminded not to get carried away after registering their fourth consecutive victory on Friday. Instead they have been told to stay focused and to try to maintain their winning streak for as long as they can.

“I’m delighted to see the team improving with each game. Now I think we have started to show some kind of consistency and I hope it will not stop here,” said Rahman.

“We are moving forward now and I hope the players will not waste the opportunity of being on the right track towards our goal of topping the table,” the Rhinos’ team manager added.

“The good work must continue and as long as the players are willing to sacrifice and work hard, I’m pretty sure we will slowly move up the standings.

Rahman was also satisfied with the way the team approached the game against the National Under-19 squad dubbed as the Harimau Muda.

“We started the game pretty well and could have scored an early goal, but unfortunately it didn’t come until the 26th minute.

“Nevertheless, the players did well enough to win the game – a well-deserved victory.

“What was important on the night is that we won the game because it’s not only good for the team, but also for the fans since it was our first home game at the Likas Stadium in about five months.

Bobby Gonzales put the Rhinos into the lead with a fine curling shot from inside the box after 26 minutes of play, before second-half substitute Salvester Sindeh sealed their victory with a header two minutes from time.

Jamie Phoenix, Andre Scotti Ossemer, Zuraindey Jumai as well as Mohd Nafuzi Zain were all presented with scoring opportunities, but their attempts were either off target or saved by the keeper.

The 2-0 victory helped the Rhinos to pip Kelantan, who lost 1-2 to League leaders KL Plus FC, from the fourth spot.

KL Plus remain on top on 31 points, followed by Johor Pasir Gudang (27), Kuala Muda Naza (27), Sabah (23) and Kelantan (22).

The Rhinos will kick off their second round campaign against the same team and Rahman was quick to remind the players not to underestimate them.

“They have proven that they are an energetic side. They are young and have lots of energy, but I think our players can match them in terms of stamina. Our plus is we got the experience and for this second meeting, as long as we play our own game, I’m confident of repeating our winning feat,” added Rahman.

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Rhinos not taking Young Tigers lightly

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be up against the country’s best players of their age in a Premier League tie tonight.

They face the National Under-19 squad dubbed as the Harimau Muda (Young Tigers) in their final first round fixture to be played at the Likas Stadium.

This will be the Rhinos’ first match in five games since switching their home venue to the Tawau Sports Complex due to the faulty floodlights at the Stadium.

The match kicks off at 8.15pm.

Drago Mamic wants the team to make a winning return, insisting that it will not only help keep their quest for promotion intact, but also give their Kota Kinabalu-based fans confidence in the team.

“We are taking one game at a time, but our intention will still be the same from the start of the season and that is to win. This game will be no exception and we will go into the battlefield aiming for nothing less than victory,” the Rhinos’ head coach said when met at the team’s light training at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex Field C in Likas yesterday.

“It is a pity not to have Rosdin (Wasli – the team captain) and Azrul (Ejati Damsah), but the rest of the players are ready for action.

“I still believe we have a strong enough squad to take on the country’s best youngsters. Their position (in the standings) proves that they are a good side. They are young and growing from game to game.

“But on our part we don’t need to worry about them because what is more important is to think about our own target.

“We are fortunate now that we have all our three foreign players available. We have registered three consecutive victories prior to this clash, and I hope it will not stop, but to continue with our winning ways.

“Since the start of the season, we have been playing with only one foreign player in seven matches, but now we have all three foreign imports in the team, and it surely make us a different team altogether.

“The young local players are showing progresses and the inclusion of Zuraindey (Jumai) is a big plus to the team. The arrival of players such as Nafuzi Zain and Wong Sai Kong to name a few, in my opinion, just makes us a better side than last season.

“But then again, we must show it on the field and not just by talking. So now, I’m challenging the boys to fight for consistency,” said Drago.

Drago also hinted that he would parade his best squad for the clash, an indication that he is not taking any chances of underestimating their young opponents.

On the presence of two foreign players on trials with the team, Drago said: “I’m satisfied with all the three foreign players that we have in the team. I have no reason to change anybody at the moment. But then again, I fully support the team management’s idea of bringing in the two players to attend trials with the team.

“This is because you never know what is going to happen.

“After this match, we are aware that we are entering the crucial stage of the League and with the FA Cup matches coming up, we certainly could not afford to have our foreign players being sidelined due to injury.

“So with the presence of the two new foreign players, we have cover-ups in case something happens,” said Drago.

Sabah are currently lying fifth with 20 points in the standings, while Harimau Muda are sixth on 16.

KL Plus FC lead the standings on 28 points, followed by Kuala Muda Naza in second on 27, Johor Pasir Gudang third (26) and Kelantan fourth (22).

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Back to Likas

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos will make a return to their usual hunting ground – the Likas Stadium – in their final fixture of the first round in the Premier League challenge on Friday. ‘

They face the National Under-19 squad or better known as the Harimau Muda (Young Tigers) in a match that kicks off at 8.15pm. Confirming this yesterday, the Sabah FA Executive Secretary Harry Baking said that they have been given the green light from the Sabah Sports Board to name Likas Stadium as their venue for the rest of their campaign this season.

“We were informed that the Likas Stadium is now fit to hold matches. The faulty floodlights at the Stadium have been repaired,” said Harry yesterday. The Rhinos were forced out of the Likas Stadium since last August due to the faulty floodlights at the Stadium. They have been playing their home games at the Tawau Sports Complex since the start of the new season 2007-2008 – in December. Prior to that, the Rhinos also played their 2006-2007 Malaysia Cup quarter-final and semi-final matches at the Tawau Sports Complex. This new season, they played six matches at the Tawau Sports Complex – winning thrice (against Proton FC – 4-1, Felda United – 2-1 and Melaka – 3-0) , drawing once (with Johor – 1-1), and losing twice (Kuala Muda Naza – 0-2 and PKNS – 0-1).

“Now that we are back playing at our very own hunting den, we hope the team will be able to do well. “It has been a while since we played our matches here, and it is only good to give our loyal fans something to cheer about after being away for almost five months or so. “At the same time, I also thank the Tawau Sports Complex management as well as Safa Tawau for what they did when we hosted our matches there. They have been giving us all the necessary support.

“To the fans, we also express a big thank you for the support they have given the team, especially during the Malaysia Cup quarter-final and semi-final. “We will not forget that memorable occasion as the fans (Tawau) have been absolutely great.” The Rhinos are currently occupying fifth placing in the 13-team standings.

They have been on a three-match winning streak and a victory over Harimau Muda would surely boost their challenge for promotion. KL Plus FC currently lead the standings on 28 points, followed by Kuala Muda Naza on 27, while Johor Pasir Gudang are third – two points behind the league leaders, followed by Kelantan in fourth (22 points) and Sabah (20 points). Harimau Muda are behind Sabah on 16 points.

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Sabah no match, Johor, K.Muda lost

Premier League matches, 15 FEB 2008
*(-) position before matches

Home	Score	Away	Venue
Johor (2)	1-2	Plus FC (3)	Stadium Larkin
Kuala Lumpur (10)	2-2	PKNS (8)	Stadium Bola Sepak KL
Kelantan (5)	1-0	Kuala Muda (1)	Stadium Sultan Mohd Ke-IV
ATM (12)	2-3	Melaka (13)	Stadium MP Selayang
Proton FC (9)	1-2	Felda (7)	Stadium Majlis Bandaraya, PJ
Harimau Muda (6)	2-0	Shahzan Muda (11)	Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil
No Match	-	Sabah (4)

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BRAVO!

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos got a pat on the back for their never-say-die attitude in the narrow 1-0 win over Shahzan Muda of Pahang in a Premier League tie at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on Monday.

Rahman Zakaria said the players deserved to be praised as they fought their hearts out until the final whistle.

The Rhinos’ team manager added that if not for their spirited display until the end, it could have been another wasted outing for the team.

“I’m very happy with the way the players fought their hearts out. Even when the match was heading for a scoreless draw, they never showed any signs of giving up. This is the kind of fighting spirit we want in the team and I want them to maintain this attitude for the rest of the season,” Rahman said.

It was the lanky striker Salvester Sindeh who turned hero for the Rhinos on the night as he slotted home the winning goal in injury time after receiving a cross from fellow substitute Hishamuddin Othman.

“Although it was a hard-fought victory, the boys certainly deserved it,” he added.

However, Rahman said that it was not the best of starts for the team as they seemed to follow the rhythm of the home side.

“I think we were playing according to their (Shahzan Muda) rhythm in the first quarter of the game at least. But once we settled down, we were more solid and always looked like we were going to score goals.

“We had a few chances as their goalmouth, including hitting the goalpost at least once. They also had their chances, but overall I would say that we are the deserving winners.

“Although it was not the best game that we played, but I cannot fault any player because they gave their best.

“On another note, I’m also delighted to see that they are playing better as a team. If we can maintain this momentum, I’m very sure we will be up there (among the leaders) at the end of the season. So now it is important for us to maintain our winning form.”

After this win, Rahman said that they finally can say that they are on the right track in their quest for glory.

The three points earned from the match helped Sabah move one rung up from fifth to fourth with 20 points in their bag – seven behind league leaders Johor Pasir Gudang and second-placed Kuala Muda Naza.

They will remain in the position at least until Friday as Kelantan, who had no game on Monday will see action (on Friday) while Sabah will have a break.

Sabah will complete their first round fixtures up against Malaysia Under-19 side or Harimau Muda as they are known on Feb 22, likely to be held at the Likas Stadium.

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